DES MOINES, Iowa — When the Drake women’s basketball team takes the court and the Iowa Wild hit the ice on Saturday for their annual breast cancer awareness games, they’ll be playing for more than just a win.
“We’re supporting them, letting them know that they’re not alone in this fight,” Drake senior guard Ava Hawthorne said.
Leading up to the game, the players visited patients at UnityPoint Health’s John Stoddard Cancer Center, whose stories provided perspective and inspiration.
“It does put things into perspective,” Hawthorne said. “I had a hard practice, or you know, or I had a hard day, but seeing those folks in the hospital, they’re not allowed to leave. We visited with a woman who has an eight-year-old son, and so she’s not able to be with him every day.
Iowa Wild forward Ryan Sandelin has witnessed the fight of a survivor firsthand. His mom, Wendy, was diagnosed with breast cancer while she was pregnant with him, but she decided to put off treatment until after he was born.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the things that my mom went through and she had breast cancer,” Sandelin said. “So, just to be able to sit here and have a platform to raise awareness for this is a testament to her perseverance and how tough she is. I definitely don’t take it for granted and it’s something that’s very special to me.”
From celebrating the survivors to remembering those who bravely battled the disease until the very end, the Wild and the Bulldogs are using their platform to stand united in the fight against cancer.
“There’s so much uplifting energy in the rink for everyone,” Sandelin said. “I know as players, it gives us something to really play for on nights like this and it shows that there’s more to the game than just hockey.”
The Drake women’s basketball team will host Indiana State at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Knapp Center. Fans seated in the lower bowl will receive free pink t-shirts. Staff from the John Stoddard Cancer Center will also be honored, along with breast cancer survivors, at halftime.
The Iowa Wild will play the Springfield Thunderbirds at 6 p.m. at the Casey’s Center. The first 5,000 fans will receive a free pink LED rally towel. After the game, the Wild’s jerseys will be auctioned off with the proceeds benefiting UnityPoint Health and the John Stoddard Cancer Center.