According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that in 2011 there will be a total of about 230,480 new cases of breast cancer in women and 2,140 new cases in men. Additionally, there will be approximately 39,520 female deaths and 450 male deaths due to breast cancer. Even though new cases of breast cancer are continuously being established, many of those diagnosed with breast cancer are surviving due to extensive research and awareness.

This volleyball season will mark the fourth straight year that the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) volleyball teams will be hosting fundraisers for breast cancer awareness in October. All of the money that is raised goes to a foundation (each team selects their own) that supports breast cancer awareness and research. Over the last three seasons, the nine WIAC volleyball teams raised a combined total of over $60,000 that was donated to breast cancer research.

This year, the UW River Falls volleyball team will host a Dig for the Cure volleyball match in hopes to raise about $4,000 to donate to Susan G. Komen for the Cure through donations, t-shirt sales and a silent auction. Teammates Morgan Wynveen and Lauren Matask said “We started collecting donations and selling t-shirts for this event in the last week of September. It is important for us to reach our goal because many of the girls on the team have been impacted by breast cancer in one way or another and because breast cancer is very serious.”

The UWRF volleyball team focuses on their performance on the court; however they are also enthusiastic that they get to help make a difference with real world problems. Patti Ford, the UWRF Head volleyball Coach states, “The event provides a wonderful atmosphere for recognition of survivors and those that are in our memories.” She then goes on to say, “I don't have a favorite part of the event because it is all so wonderful. However, I do love that my athletes are involved in a bigger cause in a way that also gets the community involved.”

The 2011 Dig for the Cure match will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 12 in the match against the UW-Stout Blue Devils at 7 p.m. in Karges Center. There will be fun events including: a frozen t-shirt contest, prizes for the best-dressed fans, a silent auction and an athletic team t-shirt competition! Wynveen and Matask also said, “There are small things planned that make this match different from any other.” Admission for UWRF students will be free, adults will be $8, and kids and senior citizens aged 60 or older will be $4. However, if you wear pink and it is visible you will get half-priced admission.

If you wish to make a donation or purchase a t-shirt for only $12, contact Ford or a member of the volleyball team. Keep in mind that all proceeds will be donated directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Be sure to cheer on your Falcon volleyball team as they Dig for the Cure!