Iowa State's Pink Out Grows from 9 to 260 Cancer Survivors

When Iowa State hosted its first Play4Kay breast cancer awareness game in 2009, nine survivors attended a small reception before tipoff. This Sunday, 260 survivors will fill Hilton Coliseum as the Cyclones take on Kansas State.

The explosive growth tells a bigger story about what happens when a community commits to a cause year after year. Head coach Bill Fennelly's wife, Lyndsey Fennelly, runs the survivor reception alongside Teresa McDermott, herself a cancer survivor.

"My wife runs a survivor reception," Fennelly said. "I think there was like 9 survivors the first time they did it, and this year is like 260."

For the players, the game transforms from competition into something more meaningful. Redshirt junior Kenzie Hare will play in honor of Julie Taggart, a devoted Marquette fan who attended every game while fighting breast cancer.

"Everyone has somebody that they know that has had breast cancer," Hare said. "So being able to play for something bigger than yourself is really important."

Guard Alisa Williams echoes that perspective, especially on tough days. "We have to remember there's people going through more rough things, more real things," she said.

The game addresses a stark reality: 13% of American women will face breast cancer in their lifetime. That statistic means nearly every person in the arena knows someone affected by the disease.

The Ripple Effect

The Pink Out game has sparked action beyond the court. The event now partners with CYCans food drive, supporting Iowa State's campus food pantry SHOP with donations that help food-insecure students.

The 260 survivors gathering Sunday represent thousands of family members, friends, and supporters who've gained resources and hope through the annual event. Many discovered screening programs or support networks because of the awareness raised at these games.

What matters most to Fennelly isn't just the game day spectacle. "I just wish and hope that people who are engaged in it don't forget it after the game is over on Sunday," he said. "I hope that the people that are involved really see that 'hey, Iowa State really does care about me.'"

The 1:00 p.m. tipoff on ESPN will broadcast that message to viewers nationwide, showing how sustained commitment can turn a single awareness game into a lifeline for hundreds.