PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The UAPB baseball team took part in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Little Rock on Saturday. With this year's event being the first time that men were allowed to participate, it gave the team an opportunity to support a cause so close to many.
"I am appreciative of our players decision to participate in this event," shared fourth year Head Coach Carlos James. "Our Leadership Council came to the coaching staff with the encouragement of the entire team to support this great cause, and I am grateful for their energy and desire by our players to be 'All In.' "
Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body, and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer. Moved by Susan's compassion for others and commitment to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that should would do everything in her to end breast cancer.
Though Susan lost here battle with the disease, her legacy lives on through the work of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the organization Nancy started in her honor. Komen for the Cure is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion since its inception in 1982. Komen's promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all, and energizing science to find he cures.
All funds from the Komen Race for the Cure go to research, education, screening, and treatment programs.
Quotes from some players regarding their participation in Saturday's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure:
Mitch Bruckshaw (Junior/Johnston, Iowa) : "Being a part of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was a great experience, and it brought the team together to build character and so the right thing by supporting our community and those impacted by cancer."
Kirby Campbell (Senior/Fort Worth, Texas) : "I couldn't be more proud of the team for the enthusiasm and support they showed at the Race for the Cure. It was an incredible experience and proof that we are building something greater than baseball here at UAPB."
Mason Chapmond (Freshman/Hot Springs, Ark.) : "I am proud to say that UAPB Baseball got the chance to participate in an event that affects the lives of so many, and it was fun!"
Fabian Chirino (Junior/Hialeah, Fla.): "Walking and supporting the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Arkansas made me reflect on my character. Seeing the many women who face this challenge head on made me feel a great sense of honor and respect for those who are impacted with this struggle."
Andre Davis (Junior/Castro Valley, Calif.): "Race for the Cure provided an opportunity for us as a team to get together off the field and show our support for those battling and impacted through cancer."
Didier Landry (Senior/St. Etienne de Lauzon, Quebec): "It was an amazing experience. I don't get the chance to go out and support a good cause that often, so I thank the team for giving me the opportunity to do so. It is great to know that people are so supportive to one another."
Rashawn Tillman (Junior/El Sobrante, Calif.): "We lean on our community to support us on the field, but there is more to life then baseball which made the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event a humbling experience."
Kevin Walsh (Junior/Magnolia, NJ): "We talk about a cause in which we impacted. We impact the lives of those lost. We impact the lives of those who survived. We impacted a cause which in turn made a difference to those with breast cancer."
Mike Wieland (Senior/Rock Island, Ill.): "Participating in the Susan G. Komen for the Cure event was a great way for our team to come together and bond, while being involved in the community and supporting a great cause. Having our team together with so many strong people who have fought through or been affected by cancer was a very rewarding experience."
For additional news and photos of the Golden Lions participation, check out @UAPB_Baseball on Twitter or goldenlionsbsb on Instagram.
