The University of New Mexico Women's Basketball team will generously pay tribute to the courageous women battling breast cancer in our state as they have year after year. Along with the support of UNM Cancer Center, UNM Hospitals and UNM Athletics, the Lady Lobos will face the University of Nevada, Reno Wolf Pack on Valentine's Day for the annual "Lobos Love Pink" basketball game for breast cancer awareness.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 1,450 New Mexican women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in 2014 and that 260 will die from the disease. Second to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. It is the leading cause of cancer death among women of all races and populations.
The UNM Cancer Center will host an invitation-only pre-game reception for breast cancer survivors and their family and friends. "Our breast cancer patients constantly show us their tremendous courage," says Cheryl Willman, MD, Director and CEO of the UNM Cancer Center. "It is a privilege to publicly recognize these amazing women. We thank the Lobo Women's basketball team for their support and participation."
The UNM Cancer Center, UNM Hospitals and Lobo Women's Basketball team will also honor all New Mexico breast cancer survivors with a ceremony during half-time. Those attending this symbolic game are encouraged to wear pink, as a gesture of support and respect for all women fighting breast cancer.
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