Football thinks pink for breast cancer

Support for breast cancer awareness has been demonstrated by professional and amateur football players during the month of October for the past two seasons. During mid-semester break, the Cadets showed support for the fight against this terrible disease.

Breast cancer is a reality to some of Norwich's football players. "Several players on our team are affected by this type of cancer, and very few guys know it," said Adrian Dantzler, 21, a senior communications-major, from Mitchellville, Md.

Dantzler's mother was diagnosed with creast cancer in early 2010. "It was a difficult time for my family," Dantzler said. "When I was given the opportunity to support my mother and others like her I didn't hesitate."

According to the National Football League's (NFL) website, football has supported National Breast Cancer Awareness month in October since
2009.

Working
with
the
American
Cancer
Society,
the
initiative
promotes
breast
cancer
awareness
and
encourages
women
to get
annual
mammograms.

Dantzler and his teammates took on the responsibility of getting the Norwich Cadets involved. "The past two years NFL and college teams wore pink apparel," he said. The team decided to purchase pink wrist bands for anybody who wanted to help the cause.

"After seeing how supportive the guys on the team were for the cause, I ordered pink towels for the varsity team," said Zach Angelos, 22, a senior history major from Palm Beach, Fla.

Captain Rob Sturgis, 21, a communications major from Holden, Mass., said, supporting breast cancer is important to his teammates.

Head Coach Mark Murnyack decided the support would be demonstrated Saturday, Oct. 22, against Husson University.

"Although I would have liked to show support all month, having every player with matching attire during the single game definitely made a statement," said Cole Morgan, 19, a sophomore civil engineering major from Warwick, R.I.

Jason Hill, 21, a business major from Canajoharie, N.Y., said, "There is more meaning to wearing pink then it just being a fashion statement."

"We aren't doing this to be flashy," said Hill. "Breast cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer and we want people to know that we support everyone who has been affected by this terrible disease."

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, behind lung cancer.

"During all of our games in October other teams have been wearing pink wristbands, socks, you name it," said Dantzler. "It was our turn and it meant a lot to myself and some of the other guys on the team who are affected by this disease."

Dantzler, a senior wide receiver, collected $1.25 from each player to order the pink wristbands.

"We had every player on the team donate $1.25 so we can wear pink as a team," said Danztler, "All of the money we raised for the wristbands we donated to the American Breast Cancer Society."

In just two years, support for breast cancer awareness has soared. "Guys like Adrian and Angelos are the reason breast cancer gets some much support," said Jon Queen, 18, a freshman architecture major from Peterborough, N.H., "and myself and the other underclassmen will make sure it happens every year."

By wearing pink, Sturgis said he represents not only his family but also his teammates who have had family members affected by this disease.

"No one in my family has had breast cancer, but I know people who have and I want them to know that I am representing them as well," said Sturgis. "It's not just about my family, it is about every family who has lost loved ones to this disease, and I like to show my support for everybody."

Sturgis said that in a sport that is so demanding wearing pink changes his perspective during the game.

"I am out there battling the guy across from me, but for other people and their families they are battling for their lives," said Sturgis. "It puts everything into perspective for me that at the end of the day it is just a football game, but we are helping making a difference in people's lives."

About one in eight women in America are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and 25 percent of cancers found in women are breast cancer. There are 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today.

According to Dantzler, his mother is one of those 2.6 million survivors.

"When I found out she was cured it was one of the happiest days of my life," said Danztler. "My mother means the world to me and she never gave up her fight against breast cancer. I have never been so proud to call her my mother."

Dantzler cannot wait for his name to be called on senior day for the Cadets and have his mother be there by his side.

"She hasn't seen me play since 2009, so with everything she has gone through it is just going to make senior day that much more special for me," said Danztler.