February 9, 2007 - MAAC Fights Back Against Breast Cancer Awareness Day at Rider University

MAAC Fights Back Against Breast Cancer
Awareness Day at Rider University

LAWRENCEVILLE--As part of Rider University’s observance of the annual MAAC Fights Back campaign, the men’s and women’s basketball games on Friday, February 9 at 5:30pm and 8pm will be dedicated to the cause.

The program is designed to increase awareness about breast cancer and breast cancer prevention created in honor of MAAC senior associate commissioner Barbara Church who was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago.

“This is a great opportunity for Rider Athletics and our supporters within the local community to make a difference and help those who are fighting the disease,” said Associate Director of Athletics Karin Torchia.  “This disease affects so many people on an annual basis so anything we can do to help with the efforts to find a cure we’ll do without a moment’s hesitation.”

The women’s teams – Rider and Niagara - will wear pink t-shirts during warm-ups provided by the MAAC.  Additionally, Rider coaches and staff in both games will wear pink ribbons.

Donations will be collected in the lobby of Alumni Gym during the two games on Friday and proceeds will go to the Kids Share program at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton. Kids Share is a support-group style program for children and their families as they face the turmoil and uncertainty a cancer diagnosis can bring. Members of the Rider Athletics staff will also be on hand with pink ribbons and educational materials on breast cancer awareness.

Any member of the Rider family who is a breast cancer survivor is invited to the game and encouraged to wear pink.  For tickets, please contact the athletics ticket office at 609-896-5054.

-RU-