March 13, 2009

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - On Feb. 19, the USC Upstate tennis teams participated in the Rally For The Cure, raising $400 for Komen For The Cure. The tennis teams played in doubles pairings with participants from both the Upstate student-community as well as with supporters of the program, getting a chance to get involved with the community while also donating all the money raised to the fight against breast cancer.

"I was incredibly touched by the community involvement in our event, as we had 33 supporters of the program donate money and play some tennis to support the fight against breast cancer," Upstate Director of Tennis Tami Matheny said. "We had a really fun day on the courts, but more important than that, we helped raise money for a great organization. I am very excited with the department's efforts this year to support the fight against breast cancer."

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of more than 75,000 volunteers working through local affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure® to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. Together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised more than $740 million for the fight against breast cancer.

The event was the second breast cancer awareness event for Komen For The Cure by the Upstate athletic department this year, as the two events combined to raise more than $1,523 for the cause.

Thanks to a five-set match that featured 72 USC Upstate kills, 77 digs and 67 assists against Stetson on Oct. 24, the USC Upstate volleyball team was able to raise $1,123.80 for the Upstate South Carolina affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure during the Dig For The Cure.