University Athletes Donate $3,000 to Dig for Life

Southeast Missouri State University presented a $3,000 check to Saint Francis Medical Center at the Pink Up Night women's basketball game on February 22. The donation goes to Dig for Life to fund free mammograms for local women who otherwise could not afford them. The donation will provide 30 mammograms.

From left: Nate Saverino, assistant athletic director for external affairs, Southeast Athletics; Dr. Olivia Aranha, oncologist/hematologist, Cape Medical Oncology; Trinka Hileman, director of Radiation and Womancare, Saint Francis; Ashlynn Aranha; Ty Margenthaler, head coach, Southeast women's basketball.

When breast cancer claimed her mother's life in 2000, former Southeast women's volleyball coach Cindy Gannon founded Dig for Life to help other women fight this disease. Sponsored by Saint Francis Medical Center, Southeast Athletics and private donors, Dig for Life provides mammograms to area women who otherwise would not receive this important screening.

The university's Athletics department continues to embrace Dig for Life, and other sports have joined the volleyball team's efforts during their respective seasons, including gymnastics, softball, soccer, baseball, softball, football and women's basketball.

For more information on how to contribute to Dig for Life, call 573-331-5133 or visit www.digforlife.com.