Release courtesy of the NMU Sports Information Department
MARQUETTE, Mich. – For Northern Michigan University senior left side hitter Emma Wolfe and student assistant coach Leonard Thomas, this Saturday’s home match holds a special meaning to them.
This Saturday (Nov. 5), the NMU volleyball team will take part in the annual day-long event, Pink Experience. NMU’s Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Department is partnering with VAST and the Marquette General Foundation as a benefit for the Marquette General Cancer Center.
Senior Emma Wolfe will be playing Saturday with her grandmother on her mind.
“I love my grandma so much and it was hard to see her go through breast cancer twice,” said Wolfe.
Breast cancer has also had an impact on Leonard Thomas. His aunt was diagnosed with the disease while training for her first marathon.
“When she was first diagnosed, it had a big impact on me because I have been so close to her,” said Thomas.
Now in remission for six years, Thomas’ aunt has not let breast cancer hold her back from accomplishing her goals.
“Since her diagnosis, she has decided to go back to college and become a counselor,” said Thomas. “She wants to help others who are going through a difficult time and share her story with them. She also finished a half-marathon that she had been training for when first diagnosed.”
For Thomas, his aunt’s diagnosis and fight with breast cancer has also inspired the way he approaches life.
“My aunt has taught me through her experience to live life to the fullest,” said Thomas. “She no longer lets the small things in life bother her and takes every moment for the moment.”
Wolfe believes in the cause and hopes that this weekend will help educate those about the disease.
“It means a lot to play for a cause that my grandma fought against and luckily won,” said Wolfe. “People don't realize a lot of the time that it can affect people young and old, so it’s great to know that you are spreading the word for the cause.”
The Pink Experience begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. at Vandament Arena as the Wildcats host Findlay.
