Thinking Pink

I love the initiative that the Women's Basketball Coaches' Association (WBCA) started a couple of years ago. Through women's college basketball, they started "Think Pink" nights. Pink has long been the color associated with breast cancer awareness. These Think Pink events support breast cancer research and awareness. Specifically, the contributions collected on these nights are designated as part of the Coach Kay Yow fund.

Coach Yow was a longtime women's college basketball coach at NC State. She was an amazing and inspiring lady. I had the oppportunity to not only meet her, hear her give a presentation to an official's group, but also referee one of her games at UNC-Charlotte. It was a priviledge and an honor. Unfortunately, Coach Yow lost her battle to breast cancer this year. Women's basketball lost a true treasure.

As a referee, I have had the opportunity to be involved in many Think Pink basketball games. We wear hot pink whistes for two weeks every February. This year, with the passing of Coach Yow, they extended those dates. It is heartwarming to see the coaches and teams get involved in this. The fans are also encouraged to wear pink to the games. I have seen whole coaching staffs wearing pink Crocs shoes, pink shoelaces, headbands, t-shirts, whole pink uniforms, etc. If it's pink, someone is wearing it. It is such a cool experience and so much fun.

Last year, the men's teams got involved too! I guess they saw the fun they were missing out on. This past Wednesday was Think Pink night at Brevard College. The coach's team wore pink warm-up shirts. The coach and his assistants all were sporting the pink. They were so handsome. Real men wear pink and support breast cancer research for the women in their lives!

I support breast cancer research for my Mom's sister Camille. My Aunt Camille had a double masectomy at the age of 29. Thankfully, she beat the odds and is 14 years in remission. Let's find a cure!