Working in teams of four, students solicit donation pledges based on how much weight they think they can lift. While wearing a costume, they compete against other teams lifting weights for prizes in three categories: best team costume, most enthusiastic team, most money raised, and most weight lifted for males and females.
Last year, approximately 545 students participated in the event and raised more than $2,500. Michelle McGahan ’15, co-chair of HC for a Cure and organizer of the event, said this year their main goal is to raise awareness about breast cancer and focus the event on the students’ reasons for participating. “We’ve invited survivors to the event,” she said, “and are creating a wall titled, “Who do you bench for?”
“We hope that students write names, bring pictures to post, or bring anything they have that reminds them of why they participate in this event,” McGahan explained.
McGahan is benching for her mother, who lost her battle with breast cancer 10 years ago. “She was an amazing woman with a contagious positive attitude,” shared McGahan. “For almost my entire life, my family and I have participated in the Making Strides walk in Boston, and when I came to Holy Cross, I decided to get more involved in the cause. That's when I found HC for a Cure. When they asked me to help organize and run the event, I was more than happy to help.”
McGahan and Andrew McAward ’15, another student organizer and a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), say the goal is for all participants to reflect on their own experiences with breast cancer to spread awareness of the necessity to fight the battle.
“I have had relatives that have battled with cancer,” says McAward. “Partaking in events, such as Benching for Breast Cancer and Relay for Life, have truly defined my time here at Holy Cross.”
All proceeds from the event will benefit Pink Revolution, a Worcester-based breast cancer alliance of dedicated individuals with a unified commitment to those touched by breast cancer.
A varsity men’s ice hockey game against Air Force Academy will follow the event at 7 p.m. in the Hart Center’s ice rink.
Benching for Breast Cancer is sponsored by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and HC for a Cure. SAAC is a group of student leaders made up of representatives from each varsity team on campus. They work with the NCAA and provide an athlete’s perspective on the recruitment process, eligibility, and other regulations that affect athletes.
Related News
- Telegram & Gazette, Dec. 1; "Holy Cross students weigh in to fight cancer"
- Worcester Magazine, Dec. 5; "Benching for Breast Cancer"
