LSU Lady Tigers' Year-Round Initiative To Promote Breast Cancer Awareness with Susan G. Komen for the Cure Baton Rouge

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The LSU women’s basketball program has announced a partnership with the Baton Rouge Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in an effort to promote breast health awareness in the Greater Baton Rouge Area as the two groups formed Champions for the Cure® during National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The Lady Tigers have already begun “Operation Impact” in support of breast cancer awareness and early detection. Team members will also participate in many educational, early detection and survivorship events in the Affiliate’s 10-Parish service area over the next several months.  Recently, the LSU Lady Tigers participated in a Pink Pep Rally to promote awareness with students at the Iberville Parish Math, Science and Arts Academy in St. Gabriel.

The Lady Tigers will also launch an aggressive social media effort to promote the message of breast health awareness and early detection.  The team will shoot for breast health awareness messages though social media outlets with a goal of reaching 100,000 people between now and the annual Pink Zone Game benefitting the Komen Baton Rouge Affiliate when LSU takes on nationally-ranked Georgia on Sunday, Jan. 30 at 4 p.m. in the Maravich Center. The game will be televised to a national audience on ESPN2.

 “The journey that (wife) Sherie and I began two years ago has been both difficult and inspirational,” said LSU associate head coach Bob Starkey. “Sherie’s battle with breast cancer has enabled us to cross paths with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and we have been moved to become involved with them on the personal level as well as creating a partnership with our Lady Tiger family.

“Susan G. Komen for the Cure works to initiate, innovate and inspire passion about breast health awareness, screening, treatment and research. The Lady Tigers will join this effort by making an impact for early detection and better outcomes for our families, friends and communities.”


Both Bob and Sherie Starkey have been instrumental in the Lady Tigers’ Pink Zone Game that has been played the past several seasons. The successful event includes a “Parade of Survivors” while the Lady Tigers and coaches don pink jerseys and pink shoes.

“Through the WBCA and the courageous battle of one of my dear coaching friends Kay Yow, I am extremely honored that our basketball program can be proactive in leading the battle against breast cancer,” said LSU head coach Van Chancellor.


“Teaming up with the Lady Tigers is a great way to reach out to broader audiences with an early detection message,” said Janet Dewey-Kollen, executive director of the Affiliate. “We are excited to partner with these young Champions for the Cure. Because Louisiana leads the nation in breast cancer deaths, we believe that the Lady Tigers’ efforts can truly have a lifesaving effect on women and families in South Louisiana and beyond.”

The Pink Zone Game will also kick off a host of activities building up to the Affiliate’s 15th Annual Race for the Cure® on Feb. 19, 2011. The largest charity race in the Baton Rouge area, proceeds totaling more than $500,000 from the Race in 2010 were used to support education, screening, treatment and research programs. On-site Race registration will be available in the Maravich Center during the Pink Zone Game versus Georgia.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure will also host an online auction including sports memorabilia of former Lady Tigers and other sports memorabilia. The coveted “guest coach” opportunity will be included in the auction and several lucky breast cancer survivors will get court-side seats.  Half-time student competitions and donation stations benefiting the Affiliate will be among the events activities. 

According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, more than 207,000 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer annually (2,800 in Louisiana) and almost 40,000 women die of breast cancer (650 in Louisiana).  While one in eight women will be diagnosed at some point in their lives; 2.5 million women in the United States are breast cancer survivors.  In 2010, 1,910 men were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer nationally and 390 died. 

Tickets for the Pink Zone Game are on sale now at www.LSUtix.net, by phone at 225-578-2184, or in person on the first floor of the LSU Athletic Administration Building. Tickets start as low as $6 for adults and $3 for youth, ages 3-12.

Parties of 10 or more can purchase group tickets at $2 apiece. The Pink Zone Game is also part of LSU’s mini-plan packages. The Frontcourt Plan covers the Lady Tigers’ home opener against nationally ranked Ohio State on Wednesday, Nov. 17, the Southeastern Conference opener against rival Tennessee on Sunday, Jan. 2 and the Pink Zone Game.

The Backcourt Plan features the Tennessee and Georgia contests and the Lady Tigers’ home finale against South Carolina on Thursday, Feb. 24.

Established in 1986, the Affiliate has provided more than one million dollars for education, screening and treatment in its 10-Parish service area which includes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana Parishes. The organization received the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for stewardship of funds and dedication to mission for the fourth year in a row. 

Posted by Bill Martin