Bolivar, Mo. – The SBU volleyball team and Baker University volleyball teams will participate in the Cats vs Cancer event. This event will take place here in Bolivar, Missouri in the Meyer Wellness Center this Thursday, October 6^th at 6:00 PM. It's estimated in 2022 there will be over 250,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer and slightly less than 20,000 children diagnosed with a form of cancer. This event is meant to raise awareness for the breast cancer and kids cancer.
 
"Our hearts and prayers go out to families, friends, and neighbors who are impacted by cancer each year." Head Coach James Hanger said, "We pray for God's healing and provisions for these families…We ask the SBU community to come together for this special match and remember to love others as Christ loves us." 
 
"Earlier this year, a close friend of mine passed away from brain cancer." Said Senior Sydney Ernsbarger, "It was a fast process from diagnosis until he passed, but since that day you can see how greatly he impacted our town…Nights like these pay tribute to the inspiring people like Hunter and help share his story. There is a foundation made in honor of Hunter to learn more about the great man he was, I encourage you to check out this Foundation. #LiveLikeHunter #Stay Strong36"
 
All ticket proceeds for the event will go towards the Dig Pink Foundation, which is a volleyball breast cancer awareness foundation. So far the team has already raise almost $1,000 for the kids cancer foundation.
 
"Baker is excited to participate in the Cats vs Cancer game with Southwest Baptist University." Said Baker Head Volleyball Coach Nils Nielsen, "We'd like to thank all the sponsors of the event for all the hard work that they have put in. We are happy to contribute in some small way to the awareness and prevention of cancer by playing the sport we love. We'd also like to send our support to all the families affected by cancer"
 
Walking into the front entrance of the Wellness Center, there will be art on tables that was created by the volleyball girls, as some of them have had family members affected by different cancers. 10 minutes prior to the game starting, approximately 5:50, both teams will line up in their pink jerseys together for a group picture showing their fight against cancer. At this time, all those in attendance including families, fans, and SBU community are encouraged to join in this picture to stand together against Cancer.
 
"It's exciting to play a game that focuses on more than just a win or a loss. We are playing to bring awareness to breast and childhood cancer and have been raising funds for the cause which is greater than any of us or any volleyball game." Said Junior Loran Pritchett, "We are excited to be able to play the sport we love while looking to our community, friends, and family. It'll be a fun and good day!"

Kids Cancer Resource
Breast Cancer Resource