The University of Tennessee's ZTA chapter announced their plan to "Pink Out" Neyland Stadium during their game against Arkansas. While your first reaction may be positive, not all Vol fans were excited about this announcement.
First things first, let's talk statistics. Every one in eight women and one in 1,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This is not some recruiting tool ZTAs feed you in order to make you pledge our chapter, it is science.
Think of it this way, that is pretty much one of your male Facebook friends and one to two females in your friend's GroupMe will be diagnosed with breast cancer. With scary statistics like that, why were Vol fans so upset about the announcement of the "Pink Out?"
After seeing a friend post an extremely negative Facebook status, I was fully engaged in detective mode. Vol fans are arguing that wearing pink does nothing to help the cause. It is all about taking the initiative. Someone wrote, "September was childhood cancer month and I didn't see anyone "Gold Out" stadiums." Well, I'm sure if someone took the INITIATIVE to "Gold Out" a stadium, people would have participated.
But, let me tell you why ZTA wanted to "Pink Out" Neyland Stadium through education and awareness...
Education
The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation provides collegiate and alumnae with the tools to be aware of red flags that may be signs of breast cancer. While we appreciate these incredible tools, we understand other people may not have access to these resources. By hosting "Pink Out" games, this gives us a platform to EDUCATE people who may not be able to educate themselves. We provide women and men with mammogram reminder cards, self-check shower cards, and information on how to help yourself stay healthy.
Awareness
We have made it our priority to make sure all women and men can be aware of how to check themselves. Since 1992, The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation has distributed over 10 million breast-health shower cards, 11 million self-examination cards, and 14 million pink ribbons.
By working with sponsors like NFL and American Cancer Society, we are making people across America more aware about breast cancer.
Hopefully, those upset Tennessee fans ran into a ZTA who educated them about their risk of developing breast cancer and how they can be vigilant in looking for signs and ways to prevent it.
I hope they think about their mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and aunts. I hope they realize that wearing pink is much more than not wearing orange. It is showing support for anyone who has suffered, conquered, or lost their fight.
And most of all, I hope that when they see a pink ribbon, they remember to check themselves and get regular tests to prevent and catch early signs of breast cancer.
For more information about The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation, click here.
