Students HOOP for a good cause

By Kia Deadwyler

 

Students at Kean decided to create a way to show school spirit and support the fight against breast cancer by participating in a charity basketball game organized by the Pan-African Student Union.

The cultural organization, whose mission is to unify all people of African descent into a greater awareness of self, took on the project that reflects a similar goal to their own. Balling for Breast Cancer, took place in the Hardwood Arena on Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

As the gym filled with guests and the players warmed-up, DJ CaliCal entertained guests with music. Flyers were posted in dormitories, campus buildings, and social networks promoted the event to bring many attendees out. Guests were encouraged to wear pink to show support and no entry fee was required however donations were accepted and all proceeds went to the Sister’s Network Inc. of Essex County.

Hosted by Albert Asiama, the game began shortly after its scheduled time. The two teams, “The Littles” and “The Cure” players wore either a pink or white shirt in support of their team. By half time, Asiama informed guests that the event had raised $1,000 in donations. Half time also included entertainment first, a captivating performance by KDT (Kean Dance Team) followed by a performance by student-rapper, Lewie2Stacks.

A member of the Sister’s Network Inc. of Essex County, which is a local organization in Newark that helps raise local attention of the impact of breast cancer in the African American community, spoke during the period enlightening the crowd about the organization and how important it is to raise awareness of the disease.

Paakojo Sackey, a senior whose aunt survived breast cancer, recognized that if people are not aware of the importance of being educated on the disease they’re more likely to be unbeknownst to prevention.

“This game was a great way to show students how important breast cancer awareness is,” Sackey said.

National breast cancer awareness campaigns have helped decrease death rates with the help of better screening for early detection and improved treatment options.  However, the fact is one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.

The final score of the game was 44-53, but the real victory was raising awareness and receiving a total of $1,135 in donations. It was announced that due to the success of the event it was to become a staple event every year.

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