Breast health initiatives take center court
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The Connecticut Sun game was a sea of pink Sunday as fans and breast cancer survivors joined WNBA players and the Backus Foundation to bring attention to breast health awareness.A Backus table set up in the arena concourse gave information on the Breast Health Patient Navigator Program. Donations to the Circles of Care Campaign and for handmade pink boas, named "pink hugs," were brisk, depleting the supply of boas and filling a nearby wall with circles. All proceeds benefitted the Backus Breast Health Initiative.
An inspiring group of survivors also took to center stage prior to the start of the game, lining up across center court to receive hugs and autographed pink basketballs from the Connecticut Sun players. They basked in the warmth of a standing ovation from the nearly 8,000 fans, family and friends who filled the arena.
Special recognition went to Barbara Chiangi, a two-time breast cancer survivor, who received a special Community MVP Award during the game. An instrumental member of the Breast Cancer Survivors Committee, she's been working for almost 17 years to raise money to help others battle the disease. Honored for her ongoing contributions and commitment, she received a commemorative plaque presented at center court.
"Barbara is so deserving of the Community MVP award - she has taken a negative diagnosis and turned it into a positive - for herself and the entire community," said Gen Schies, Director of Planned Giving for the Backus Foundation.
"It's great to see her efforts on behalf of breast health recognized publicly."
The game, at times stressful for the many Connecticut Sun fans that packed the Mohegan Sun Arena, ended on a positive note with Connecticut beating Chicago Sky 74-67, breaking Connecticut's five-game losing streak.
Backus Hospital was also recognized as an Inaugural Member of the Connecticut Sun Community All Star Program for sharing the team's commitment to youth health, fitness and families.
"We are so very excited to have partnered with the Connecticut Sun. We appreciate their commitment to our community's health, and the team's interest in helping us provide educational information on early detection and treatments. The event was terrific, and we look forward to collaborating again!" said Ms. Schies.