Big Pink Week raises awareness for breast cancer

Oct. 21-24, the SHU Residence Life hosted Big Pink Week. The week started off with the seventh annual Big Pink Volleyball tournament in McKenna Gym. Photo from B.Marks.

From Oct. 21-24, Seton Hill’s Residence Life hosted Big Pink Week, featuring multiple events on campus to encourage breast cancer awareness and raise funds for Westmoreland Walks.

Westmoreland Walks is a local organization that contributes towards breast cancer research and supports men and women through their diagnosis.  To kick off the week, the seventh annual Big Pink volleyball tournament was held in the McKenna gym.

This year, there were twelve participating teams. The winners, The Empire Spikes Back, claimed their title for the third year in a row.  The members on this team were Matt Sanchez, Abe Gibson, Brendt Billeck, Rocco Kempa, Emily Hazlett and Abbey Sitko.

“I participated in Big Pink because it is a wonderful way to interact with other students in a new, fun, and competitive environment, while supporting a community that values breast cancer awareness and advocates for both breast cancer fighters and survivors,” said Abbey Sitko, winning team member and Seton Hill resident assistant.

On Tuesday, pinwheels were placed on McKenna lawn to honor those affected by breast cancer.  There was also a 50/50 raffle at the volleyball game between SHU and Fairmount University.

Students paid $5 to participate in a Paint ‘N Sip event on Wednesday night in the Greensburg room.  The week ended on Thursday with Pink Swag in the Maura Solarium, where donations were collected.

“Big Pink Week is important because the community comes together to unite against breast cancer,” said Gabrielle Oglesby, a resident assistant at Seton Hill.

“From just the volleyball game alone, we raised a lot of money and we were able to have someone from Westmoreland Walks inform everyone about breast cancer, while having fun,” Oglesby said.

Not only was Big Pink Week filled with fun activities and events. 

Participating students contributed funds and raised awareness for breast cancer!

Published by Caitlin Srager

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