October 7, 2008

Colgate Exceeds Goal

HAMILTON, N.Y. -- Colgate's women’s hockey team surpassed its goal of $5,200 for the 2008 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, held Sunday in Binghamton, raising $6,135 for the American Cancer Society.

“We raised $6,135 in 10 days; that’s a lot of money in a short time” stated Raiders’ head coach Scott Wiley. “Every player got a donation. This was a great opportunity for our kids to show again we can make a difference.”


One of the many Raiders involved in raising funds for the American Cancer Society is sophomore goaltender Lisa Plenderleith (Ajax, Ont.) who recently found out her sister had been diagnosed with cancer. “Ironically enough, I found out during our "Pink at the Rink" weekend last season that my sister had been diagnosed with kidney cancer.” Stated Plenderleith “Over the course of the past nine months, I have realized what it means to be impacted by cancer and I want to help in any way that I can. I am grateful that Scott (Wiley) brought the Making Strides walk to my attention and that our team did such a phenomenal job in such a short period of time.

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer was more than just the name of a walk; it described the progress being made in the fight against breast cancer.

“Events like these are important because we are all impacted by cancer in some way, shape or form, and it really gives us a chance to count our blessings and help those in need” said Plenderleith.

“We received a tremendous amount of support from not only local residents but from parents and alumnus” said Wiley. “We received donations from the Colgate community nationwide like California, Virginia and Western Canada. People everywhere were really stepping up for the cause. It was a great event.”

Last year with “Pink at the Rink”, the Raiders raised $16,000 for the American Cancer Society, while the ECAC Hockey League combined to raise $41,000. The ECAC Hockey League and Colgate have joined together again for “Pink at the Rink” this upcoming season with a strive to raise more.