CHICAGO (October 22, 2021) – Approximately 40 percent of the population will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetimes. During the month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Loyola University Chicago student-athletes and staff have drawn awareness to the fight against breast cancer by wearing pink ribbons at select competitions, among other initiatives.
 
The battle against the insidious disease is a personal one for Nick Welden, a graduate student on the Loyola men's golf team, who provided student-athletes with the pink ribbons. Welden's mother, Mary, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, but 17 years later, she is full healthy and has beaten the disease.
 
"At the time, I was too young to understand the implications of everything going on," Nick Welden said. "Back home in Alabama, we work with a foundation called Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA). I have volunteered doing clinical trials as well as been involved with fundraising for the foundation."
 
Mary Welden was initially involved with BCRFA (https://www.bcrfa.org/about) because her own mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996. Nick's family was integral in the creation of the license plate BCRFA started for the state of Alabama, from which a sizable portion of the tag fees go to the foundation.
 
"Unfortunately, our family has a history with the disease, but that is all the more reason we have been so dedicated to raising awareness and raising funds for research," Nick said. "It is so important to me and my family to be doing work like this so that one day we may be able to beat this battle before it starts."
 
In addition to drawing awareness to breast cancer this month, the Loyola women's volleyball team has shown support for Kim McNabb, the mother of sophomore outside hitter Karlie McNabb, who was recently diagnosed with gallbladder cancer. 
 
The Ramblers have sported green ribbons, as well as worn green shoes and #Win4Kim t-shirts this month. On October 8, they hosted a #Win4Kim night in which staff and fans were encouraged to also wear green to raise awareness for the fight against gallbladder cancer. Student-athletes and staff have also worn green "Blers4Kim" wristbands.
 
Although the news of Kim's diagnosis hit Karlie and her family hard, the entire McNabb family has been uplifted by the outpouring of support from both the Loyola and volleyball communities.
 
"The amount of support my family and I have received from the Loyola community is amazing," McNabb said. "I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such caring people. The athletics department, my teammates, my coaches, Alex Schorr (our chaplain), and so many others have truly touched me and my family in countless ways."
 
While the news is positive for Mary Welden, Nick won't give up in his quest to continue fighting against breast cancer. 
 
"Every year, I do whatever I can to help raise awareness for others," Nick  said. "We can never be too diligent in our work to help others in need, especially for causes like these."