Donate Money for IUPUI’s Dig Pink Match Here

INDIANAPOLIS – Every season the IUPUI volleyball designates one of its home matches as its Dig Pink Game and this season its match against South Dakota State on Saturday, Oct. 15, has been selected as the program’s 2011 Dig Pink Game.

The Dig Pink Game is a forum for the team to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer. While the Dig Pink Game is an important cause for the Jaguars volleyball program each year, this season the cause means that much more to the IUPUI volleyball family as former Jaguar volleyball player Jen [Mertz] Will (1998-2001) was diagnosed with breast cancer on April 29, 2011.

“Every year our Dig Pink Game means so much to our team, but this year it is that much more meaningful with one of our former players currently battling breast cancer,” said head coach Steve Payne. “With this hitting so close to home for our volleyball family, we are motivated to reach our goal in raising money for breast cancer awareness.”

“I think it is great that the IUPUI volleyball team is participating in the Dig Pink event. Anything that can be done to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research and breast cancer patients is a good thing,” Will said. “The fact that Dig Pink can rally teams across the country at various levels, whether its high school or college, is powerful.” 

“Statistics now say that 1-in-8 women will develop breast cancer. It's important to spread the message that breast cancer does not discriminate. It doesn't matter your age or if you have a family history. Every woman must be engaged when it comes to their own health. Women need to do self-breast exams and get screening mammograms as soon as their insurance will cover them,” Will added. 

Jen’s battle is continually updated on her blog, which can be viewed by clicking here.

In support of Jen and all those currently and formerly affected by breast cancer, the Jaguars will be wearing pink jerseys against the Jackrabbits on Oct. 15 in addition to wearing pink warm-up shirts. The volleyball team also will be accepting donations and selling pink T-shirts that will go towards their fundraising efforts.

Fans interested in helping the IUPUI volleyball team reach their fundraising goal can donate money by clicking here to get to IUPUI’s team donation page in conjunction with the Side-Out Foundation and Dig Pink campaign.

“Again, we are looking forward to this event and we are excited to see a great crowd come out to not only support us on the floor, but support a great cause,” Payne added.

“I'm excited to participate in IUPUI's event this year. I hope the local community comes out and supports the girls and their efforts both on the court and in the community. I hope it’s a record-setting night for the Jaguars,” Will said.