WESTFIELD, Mass. – Westfield State University's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has partnered with Baystate Health Foundation's "Rays of Hope" Campaign to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support throughout the month of October, which is breast Cancer Awareness month.

Owls teams will wear pink ribbons on their uniforms for home games from Oct. 11 through 19, and SAAC will host a walkathon at the Jerry Gravel Track on October 17.

"We're inviting all students, faculty and staff to come to the track between noon and 2 p.m. to collectively walk 26.2 miles, learn about options for supporting Rays of Hope and the resources they have available for breast cancer patients, and also have the chance to win raffle prizes by participating," said Marlee Berg-Haryasz, assistant athletic director, who helps oversee Westfield State SAAC.

While 26.2 miles is the distance of the marathon it is also the equivalent of 42,250 meters – 1 meter for each person projected to pass away as a result of breast cancer annually.   (We need 106 people to walk at least one lap!).

By walking at least one lap of the Gravel Track, you can contribute 400 meters to the effort, and be entered to win a gift certificate from Two Rivers Burritos, Chrissy G's Bakery, or North Elm Butcher Block, each of whom donated prizes to the walk.   

Representatives from Rays of Hope will be on site for the walk to offer more information about their programs, as well as have information on their Walk and Run event, which is scheduled for October 27 in Springfield.

Show your support by walking in either (or BOTH!) events, wearing pink to the Westfield State games, and/or making a gift to support Rays of Hope.

Since its inception in 1994, Rays of Hope has been helping individuals in the fight against breast cancer by walking alongside them on their cancer journey. Through the Baystate Health Breast Network, Rays of Hope cares for the whole person from diagnosis and beyond by supporting research at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research, providing funding for state-of-the-art equipment, breast health programs and outreach and education throughout Baystate Health, support to patients and survivors, as well as providing grants for complementary therapies and cancer programs to our community partners throughout western Massachusetts.

THINK PINK GAMES at Westfield State

Volleyball vs. Framingham State                Fri.                                                                                Oct. 11                                                                                7:00 p.m.

Men's and Women's Cross Country           Sat.                                                                                Oct. 12                                                                               10:30 a.m.
James Earley Invitational

Men's Soccer vs. Framingham                     Sat.                                                                                Oct. 12                                                                               12:00 noon

Field Hockey vs. Framingham                     Sat.                                                                                Oct. 12                                                                               3:30 p.m.

Men's Soccer vs. Regis                                    Mon.                                                                                Oct. 14                                                                               4:00 p.m.

Women's Soccer vs. Fitchburg                    Sat.                                                                                Oct. 19                                                                               11:00 a.m.

Football vs. Framingham                               Sat.                                                                                Oct. 19                                                                               2:00 p.m.