Release courtesy of Jeanna Radzinski, LSSU Public Relations Office videographer intern
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SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University volleyball players Nikki Stratelak, Billie McLeod, and Lindsay McLeod have special reason to play this year's Dig Pink event, an annual volleyball match played to raise breast cancer awareness. Besides being the best of friends and teammates, they share a bond when it comes to fighting the war against breast cancer.
Junior Nikki Stratelak is lucky enough to look at her mother and proudly call her a survivor.
"She is my everything, my life. I couldn't imagine my life without her," said Stratelak.
Unfortunately, sisters Billie and Lindsay McLeod lost their mother to a battle with breast cancer. However, they are able to have a positive outlook on life, something their mother would be very proud of.
"Just knowing that you have someone up there and with you every single day really means a lot," says Lindsay.
"If I can go out there and try as hard as I can, and fight," adds Billie. "I think that's something she (my mother) would be very proud of, considering I got it from her."
As their mother would be very proud of them today, so is head volleyball coach Ben Kaszeta.
"Just knowing that they don't necessarily have that mother figure in their life, I think that it has helped Billie out a lot to be able to have Lindsay there on a daily basis," says Kaszeta.
Stratelak has nice things to say about her friends as well. "They are really strong. Words can't describe how much I look up to them," she says. "I give them the world of credit."
The Dig Pink game takes place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, in the Norris Center's Cooper Gym. Come support not only the Lakers, but a cause that is close to the hearts of many. Fight for a cure, fight for pink.
CONTACTS: John Shibley, e-mail, 906-635-2314; Tom Pink, e-mail, 635-2315.
