West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University Athletics is participating in Breast Cancer Awareness Month by supporting the McDonough District Hospital Foundation's campaign to raise funds for a new mammography imaging system. Throughout October, student-athletes from the university's fall sports teams have worn pink as part of their gameday uniforms to show solidarity with those affected by breast cancer.

As part of these efforts, the Leatherneck Volleyball team will hold its annual "Dig for a Cure" match on Friday, October 24, at Western Hall. During the match, the team will wear special pink T-shirts to promote breast cancer awareness. McDonough District Hospital will be present at the event with a resource table and a donation station for attendees interested in contributing to the new mammography imaging system.

The fundraising campaign organized by WIU Athletics will continue through November 14, and supporters can donate in various ways at any time. Fans who donate $10 or more during the October 24 match will receive a pink Breast Cancer Awareness sweatband as a token of appreciation.

Brittany Moore, Director of the Foundation, said, "One of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against breast cancer is mammography." She explained that the hospital's current system is nearing the end of its service life and that a new unit would offer improved imaging resolution, faster interpretation times for radiologists, and enhanced patient comfort with SmartCurve technology.

Moore added, "Every gift, large or small, brings us closer to ensuring women in our community have access to the best in breast health, and helps detect cancer earlier, treat it faster, and save more lives."

WIU Athletics is encouraging fans to wear pink at the volleyball game on October 24 in support of breast cancer awareness.