Athletics Sponsors Pink Zone Week
Coach Keisha Brown Spearheads Weeklong Events To Raise Breast Cancer Awareness on Campus and in Community
Keisha Brown is a cancer survivor.
The Alma College women’s basketball coach was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and underwent surgery and four rounds of chemotherapy. In 2008, Brown had a reoccurrence of cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and six weeks of radiation. Now, as a survivor, she is doing what she can to enhance awareness and share her experience with others.
Women's Basketball Coach Keisha Brown
Beginning Feb. 1, the Alma Athletic Department is sponsoring Pink Zone Breast Cancer Awareness Week with a series of activities culminating with the women’s and men’s home basketball doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 6 in Cappaert Gymnasium.
Brown is in her first year as head coach at Alma after six seasons as coach of the boys’ basketball team at Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart Academy. She also was the athletic director and school counselor at Sacred Heart and was active in the community. Brown has brought that activism to Alma College and is now organizing a week of education regarding a very important topic.
“For me, this week is about bringing awareness about the disease to the community,” says Brown. “Not only does this disease affect women, it also affects men. Everyone has been affected by cancer in some form or fashion. We are hoping that Pink Zone Week will give people more knowledge and understanding of this disease and cancer in general.”
Tuesday, Feb. 2 has been designated Community Pink Day at Alma, in which the Athletic Department is encouraging everyone on campus to wear pink in some fashion.
On Thursday night, Feb. 4, Brown will be a guest speaker to share her story and answer questions. During the doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 6, tables will be set up in the lobby outside the gymnasium and local groups will be on hand with informational materials for anyone who is interested.
The women’s game against Hope College tips off at 1 p.m., while the men host Adrian College at 3 p.m.
Also taking place during the two games will be a raffle, culminating with the grand prize raffle of a jWIN Mini Stereo MP3 CD/CD Player at halftime of the men’s game. Other items include a pink official Wilson game ball signed by the 2009-10 women’s basketball team and certificates from area restaurants and businesses. All proceeds from the $5 admission, raffle ticket purchases and donations will go to charities that promote breast cancer awareness.
The time and place of Brown’s speaking engagement is to be determined. Details regarding Pink Zone Week activities will be available beginning Jan. 25 on the women’s basketball Webpage.
The Pink Zone initiative is a global, unified effort for the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s (WBCA) in raising awareness of breast cancer.
— Mike Hanson
Posted: Thu, January 21st, 2010 at 2:26PM
