Friday, October 9, is “Dig Pink” and “Kick Cancer” Night at Macalester College as the volleyball and women's soccer teams host matches to benefit the Side-Out Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. This event is sponsored by Macalester's Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC).

Macalester's volleyball team will wear pink warm-up t-shirts and the Macalester soccer team will play in pink uniforms, donated by Soccer Express and Diadora. Macalester's volleyball team hosts Augsburg at 7 p.m. and the women's soccer team plays host to Wisconsin-River Falls. PLEASE WEAR PINK ON FRIDAY!

At the volleyball match, Jamba Juice will be serving pink and orange smoothies in the Atrium, with 20% of all profits made during the night to be donated to the Side-Out Foundation and Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The Dig Pink event, which involves hundreds of participating college and high school teams, promotes breast cancer education by encouraging fans to wear pink t-shirts, by distributing educational material, collecting donations, and focusing on how individuals can help.

Side-Out Foundation
The name underscores the purpose of the organization – “Side-Out” in volleyball occurs when one team wins a point while its opponent is serving, thereby regaining serve or control of play. Likewise in the war against breast cancer, the Side-Out Foundation will support health care professionals in their pursuit of practical solutions for women and men with this dreaded disease thus enabling those affected to regain control of their lives and living them to the fullest.

Side-Out Foundation with Dig Pink Information


Tami Gutz is Honorary Guest at the volleyball match
Tami Gutz, a breast cancer survivor, will serve the honorary first serve at Friday's volleyball match.

On March 4, 2004 Tami Gutz found a lump on her right breast. She was 38 years old. On March 5th, she had nine biopsies taken and then had a lumpectomy on March 9th. On March 12 she was diagnosed with a very rare breast cancer that affects only 2% of women.

Six weeks after surgery Tami went through four months of chemotherapy every other Friday. Before her first chemo treatment Tami donated a 26-inch-long ponytail to Locks for Love. On January 11, 2005, she had her left breast removed and reconstruction at the same time. On March 21 Tami woke up with two lumps on her left breast and a hot spot on her chest.

For eight months she never complained to anyone about how much pain she was it. She cried herself to sleep every night. She just kept telling herself that this would be the way the rest of her life would be. Later, at a monthly doctor appointment, she broke down and was set up with pain injections.

For the past four years Tami saw her Oncologist every three months for scans and blood work. On February 19, 2008 her oncologist said she didn't need to see Tami for six months. This was a huge stepping stone for her.

"What kept me STRONG and gave me HOPE during this illness was the LOVE, PRAYERS, and SUPPORT from my mom, family and many friends. I am now a FIVE-YEAR SURVIVOR."


Friday's National Anthem at Volleyball
Mary Pat Nydahl will be singing the national anthem at tonight's match. She teaches 5th grade at Clover Ridge Elementary School in Bluff Creek. Mary Pat has taught for 22 years between the Minneapolis and Chaska school districts.

The vocal stylings of Mary Pat Nydahl have been touching and healing hearts for more than 20 years. Her songs and music bring joy, love, and inspiration to all. Mary Pat received her vocal training and degree from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. She currently serves as a cantor at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville, St. John's Lutheran Church in Lakeville, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in St. Paul. She is also a Contemporary Music Worship Team Member at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie. She has recorded 2 music CD's.

Breast Cancer Facts
*If breast cancer is found early and confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is 98 percent. That's why it is so important to take steps to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages.

*The best way to find breast cancer in its earliest stages is to routinely check your breasts for signs and symptoms of the disease. For a details on how to perform a Breast Self-Exam visit the Susan G. Komen website at ww5.komen.org.

*. Women should have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years between the ages of 20 and 39 and every year starting at 40.