West Windsor, N.J. – Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC) women’s and men’s basketball games against Burlington County College proved the perfect backdrop for the college's 4th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night on Feb. 6. 

Both Vikings teams wore themed t-shirts during their pre-game warm-ups, as well as pink shoelaces. Members of the women's team tie-dyed their basketball socks a festive pink. The event was co-hosted by the college’s chapter of American Women in Community Colleges, the MCCC Athletics Department and the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) of the YWCA-Princeton.

Among the highlights was a presentation at halftime of the women’s game.  Speakers included Erin Cahill-Wetzel, of the MCCC Athletics Department, Paula Flory, BCRC Director, and Rachel Katz of WWFM The Classical Network.  Both Flory and Katz are recent breast cancer survivors.

Flory spoke of her journey through breast cancer treatment and her gratitude to the Breast Cancer Resource Center.  A fitness trainer before her diagnosis, she turned to the center during her treatment, and then became a volunteer there.  Now she is the organization's director.  “We are about helping women live more fully during their treatment and beyond,” she said.  “It’s an amazing place.”

Katz seconded that emotion.  “One of the good things that came out of my experience was the support I received at BCRC and being able to talk to people who understood.  Awareness means getting mammograms, but it also means knowing about resources like BCRC.  You should know who's out there to help,” Katz said.

During the halftime of the men's game, members of the women's team presented bags of toiletries to Flory and BCRC volunteer Terry Kremenich. The bags will be distributed to patients undergoing chemotherapy to help make their experience more comfortable.

Area businesses generously donated to a raffle drawing, with all proceeds going to BCRC.  Contributing businesses included: Bagels N’ Cream; Brothers Pizza (Route 33); Carella’s Shoes and Carella’s Hallmark and Chocolates; Central Perk Bagel & Co.; Kelsey Theatre; Mark Pratico Jewelers; and Princeton University Athletics.

MCCC Television Production students provided coverage of the men's game, which was broadcast live on the college's cable television station. Announcers included former coaches Bud Livington and Bill Panella.

TV Production student Deena Lewis taped the action during the men's game from her perch in the gym balcony. The Vikings won 66-60.

TV students in the control room during the broadcast.

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