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Gymnastics' event to raise funds to fight cancer

Jan. 14, 2008

KALAMAZOO--Members of Western Michigan University's gymnastics team are encouraging others to "think pink" in the fight against breast cancer with an auction Sunday, Jan. 20, to raise money for cancer awareness.

The team will compete at 1 p.m. in WMU's University Arena against the University of Illinois-Chicago. WMU and UIC will put school colors aside and wear pink leotards for the competition. The Bronco's will be auctioning off their competition pink leotards in a silent auction during the competition. Areas also will be set up for the audience to make donations with the first 100 donors receiving a "think pink" t-shirt. Admission is free, and participants are encouraged to come to the event wearing pink.

Terry Karwoski, WMU gymnastics head coach, said a similar event started in 2004 with the University of Alabama, and it has caught on with other gymnastics teams in the NCAA.

"In both our gymnastics team and our families, we know breast cancer survivors. It is something that is close to us," says Terry Karwoski, head gymnastics coach. "We saw this as something we can do as a team."

"The Think Pink meet is excellent opportunity to increase awareness of breast cancer and raise funds for programs to educate and treat patients throughout southwest Michigan," adds Jessica Hermann-Wilmarth, director of development for the West Michigan Cancer Center that is partnering with the WMU gymnastics team for the event.

For more information, please contact Terry Karwoski at terry.karwoski@wmich.edu or (269) 387-3129.

Media contact: Kevin West, (269) 387-4678, kevin.west@wmich.edu

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