Throughout the country, a pressing yet profound issue has always been breast cancer. On Wednesday Feb. 3, in conjunction with the Lady Lions basketball game at the University Center, Southeastern’s Student Government Association (SGA) made sure that the university did its part to help with the uphill battle against breast cancer as they hosted Pack the House for Pink.

Prior to the game versus Lamar University, a five-kilometer race was held in the parking area next to the University Center. There was a $10 registration fee that included a T-shirt and free admission to the game. After the race, the doors to the University Center opened and in piled the pink. At 6:30 p.m., the SGA began giving away free pizza and pink shirts that read “Lady Lions Basketball,” with the breast cancer awareness symbol backing the words. Also, prior to the game was a breast cancer seminar hosted courtesy of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. It provided information about how women can check for breast cancer and the different ways to treat and prevent the disease.

“It was quite informative,” said Ashley Davidson, junior social work major. “I learned a lot in just that short period of time.”

After a few festivities, it was game time. Students and their organizations literally packed the house with pink, and cancer survivors were allowed free admission. Student organizations such as Delta Tau Delta, Phi Mu, Delta Sigma Theta and Kappa Alpha Psi were all in attendance. Some students had body paint and some wore pink bandannas, but everyone in attendance was able to see the importance of the idea behind the event.

“It’s the little things that have an impact on breast cancer,” said Tonya Elliot, a resident of Covington, in attendance at the game. “Events like this keep people aware that it is out there and the more awareness we have the better we can fight it.”

As the game went on, so did the fun. During game intermissions, students participated in events like a cotton candy eating contest and a dance-off at center court.

Students had fun at Pack the House for Pink while at the same time became more informed about one of the serious issues that people are facing around the world. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund in memory of the legendary cancer victim and North Carolina State Women’s Basketball coach. For more information on the Kay Yow

Cancer Fund please visit www.jimmyv.org/yow.