With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Bates College men’s rowing team did just that while raising $2,585.00 in the process!
The Bobcats raised the funds for Real Men Wear Pink of Maine (American Cancer Society) after a successful tabling effort in Commons this past Friday. The generosity of the Bates’ community was on full display, despite a torrential rain storm, as a plethora of people made donations throughout the three-hour event.
Distributing giveaways and mingling with their supporters, the Bobcats’ commitment to the cause was on full display.
Ben MacDonald ’23, a team captain and organizer of this year’s event, said: “It’s been a pleasure to be a part of Real Men Wear Pink of Maine. You don’t have to look far to see how breast cancer has affected students and families across campus and beyond. To have students and faculty extend their support to us, and to raise thousands of dollars from student/faculty donations alone, is something our team takes tremendous pride in.”
“Battling cancer is beyond difficult, for both the patient and their families,” said MacDonald’s teammate, Riley Young ’24. “As someone who has lost family members due to cancer, I understand the struggle that goes into this fight. Being a part of Real Men Wear Pink has been a great way to build awareness for breast cancer and made me feel like I can make a difference in this battle.”
Peter Steenstra, head coach of the Bates rowing program, also serves as an ambassador for Real Men Wear Pink of Maine.
“The fight against cancer hits close to home for me as my family has experienced the challenge and heartbreak of cancer, breast cancer specifically, a number of times over,” said Steenstra. “Participating in the Real Men Wear Pink of Maine effort is a privilege and we hope to do all we can to continue to bring awareness and raise funds for the cause.”
Original source can be found here
