IRVINE, Calif. - In conjunction with UC Irvine Athletics' Breast Cancer Awareness Week, women's basketball player Brooke Bayman shares a tribute to her grandmother and all who are fighting the disease.
 

By Brooke Bayman, Women's Basketball, Junior Guard

Strength, a word that sticks with me through tough times, because regardless of what is going on, I remind myself to stay strong.
 
Glorious Owens is my grandma on my mom's side of my family and she has always been a strong woman. I look up to my grandma in many ways, she is one of the reasons why I keep going. Everyone has a story, everyone goes through tough times, but I believe those who are strong make the best out of any situation, good or bad. This is why my grandma is strong, she doesn't let anything affect her or bring her down; she finds a way to make it better.
 
Recently, my grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer and she is continuing to fight it. Every time I see her or talk to her, she is smiling and in good spirits. She still finds a way to make it to my games and support our team. She is continuing to be strong, so I look up to her and I have faith that she will make it through. I love her, and I encourage all women fighting breast cancer to be STRONG because you can do it!

 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, UC Irvine Athletics will host "Pink Games" during February 11-23.

Baseball, men's basketball, women's basketball, men's volleyball, women's water polo, men's golf, and men's and women's tennis will all participate in home events.

Anteater teams will be sporting pink gear and all fans are encouraged to wear pink to the games too.

All ticket purchases during the week will include an option to donate a portion of the ticket to the UCI Breast Health Center.

Fans attending official "Pink" events will receive a TOGETHER WE ZOT bracelet courtesy of UCI Health (while supplies last).

Pink Hats
Men's basketball and baseball fans can also purchase special "Pink Ticket" packages which includes a UCI pink logo hat. A portion of all tickets sold will be donated to the UCI Breast Health Center.

The UC Irvine Breast Health Center is one of only 20 accredited breast centers in California dedicated to the comprehensive care, multidisciplinary team approach to coordinating the best treatment options, and patient access to ongoing information about clinic trials and new treatment options.

UC Irvine Athletics is proud to continue our annual commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness by dedicating events in October and February each year.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WEEK SCHEDULE
Men's Golf - Big Canyon Country Club
Monday, Feb. 11-Tuesday, Feb. 12 - Anteater Invitational
 
Men's Volleyball - Bren Events Center
Thursday, Feb. 14 - 7:00 PM vs. UC San Diego - Tickets
 
Women's Tennis - Anteater Tennis Stadium
Friday, Feb. 15 - 1:30 PM vs. Hawai'i
 
Baseball - Anteater Stadium
Saturday, Feb. 16 - 6:00 PM vs. Washington - Tickets
 
Women's Water Polo - Anteater Aquatics Complex
Sunday, Feb. 17 - 12:00 PM vs. Indiana
 
Men's Basketball - Bren Events Center
Thursday, Feb. 21 - 7:00 PM vs. Cal Poly - Tickets
 
Men's Tennis - Anteater Tennis Stadium
Friday, Feb. 22 - 1:00 PM vs. Pacific
 
Women's Basketball - Bren Events Center
Saturday, Feb. 23 - 7:00 PM vs. UC Riverside - Tickets