Gabby Maulucci
Sports Editor
Breast cancer –well, cancer alone – is a destructive, life-changing disease that no-one deserves to experience, however the unfortunate truth is that 40,000 women will die from breast cancer in the United States this year.
Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters and their families will be delivered devastating news by doctors all around the country.
It is rare to meet someone who has not been touched by an experience involving breast cancer, which is why the Springfield College football team, and many other SC teams, dedicates specific sporting events to breast cancer awareness.
On Saturday at 2 p.m. the Pride will host their annual breast cancer awareness game against Merchant Marine Academy on Amos Alonzo Stagg Field.
“Football is always played with emotion but this game specifically will be played with more emotion than past games. We as a team will be playing for all of the people and families out there who are suffering from this horrible disease,” explained senior halfback, Franco Bianchi.
“Everyone knows someone [who has been effected], whether it’s a family member or a friend, so you bet everyone will be ready to play.”
The players and coaches of the Springfield College football team will be selling pink t-shirts and limited edition helmets for $20 each.
The money raised during this sale will be donated to the Griffin’s Friends Children’s Cancer Fund at Baystate Health Foundation, Inc.
“This game is the most meaningful game on the schedule for myself. My mother is a breast cancer survivor,” said Bianchi.
“There is a bit more preparation and focus that comes with getting ready for this game. Its important that we not only win this game for Springfield College as a whole but for all the people we know who are currently suffering from this disease and people who have fought to overcome it, in this case my mother.”
Bianchi is among many Springfield College student-athletes who have been deeply touched by an experience with breast cancer.
The simplest gesture of wearing pink to support the cause can be overwhelmingly meaningful to the people around you.
The team will take the field sporting pink apparel and fans are encouraged to do the same! If you are unable to rummage up any pink-dyed apparel in your closets, please contact the football office to purchase a t-shirt in advance.
Gabby Maulucci can be reached at gmaulucci@springfieldcollege.edu