Las Cruces, N.M. – The NMSU Aggies ARE Tough Enough to Wear Pink! Are you tough enough to wear pink? That is the question posed by NMSU Head Football Coach Hal Mumme and his wife June. On September 29th Aggie fans will be seeing pink and lots of it, to fight a deadly disease. In 1996, June was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her treatment included a lumpectomy, followed a week later by a mastectomy, six months of chemotherapy and five years of continued treatment. Since then Hal and June have been actively involved in breast cancer awareness and fundraising activities.
New Mexico State University vs. Arkansas Pine Bluff Football Game
Aggie Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 29th 2007
In a unique opportunity, the New Mexico State Athletics Department has agreed to designate the football game on September 29th against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, as a breast cancer awareness initiative and fundraiser. Coach Mumme has brought together Four Honorary Chair-Women for this event, all with strong ties to New Mexico State University and all cancer survivors; Magellia Boston (wife of Athletics Director Dr. McKinley Boston), Laura Conniff (Chair of the NMSU Regents), June Mumme (wife of head football coach Hal Mumme) and Pat Sisbarro (wife of car dealer Lou Sisbarro).
Magellia was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 1989. She received a lumpectomy, which was immediately followed by radiation treatment. Since that time, Magellia has used this experience as an opportunity to express the importance of mammograms and early detection. Her husband, NMSU Athletics Director Dr. McKinley Boston, has been her ‘rock’ during her battle with breast cancer.
Laura learned about her breast cancer diagnoses in January of 1997. Being a successful businesswoman, Conniff was accustomed to an on-the-go-lifestyle but needed to slow down and take care of herself. Fortunately, the cancer was detected early and treated quickly. Her mother is a cancer survivor of 16-and-a-half years, so Conniff learned early about getting mammograms at a young age. After several surgeries, the threat of cancer is gone but Conniff says she still sees an oncologist once a year. Through all the ups and downs of cancer her husband John has been right by her side every step of the way.
When Pat was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, she called her good friend Laura Conniff because she was a survivor herself. And when Conniff asked Pat to participate in the initiative to support breast cancer research, she didn’t hesitate to say yes. Pat and her husband Lou have been major contributors to both the Aggie and Las Cruces community for years. Pat decided to co-chair this initiative not only to help breast cancer awareness, but because of the potential of making a difference in someone’s life.
The proceeds generated by this event will be used to fund breast cancer and women's cancer research project, conducted by UNM Cancer Center and the New Mexico State University Department of Chemistry and Biology. This initiative is being conducted in partnership with ‘Cowboys For Cancer Research’.
“The response has been wildly overwhelming,” Coach Mumme said. “It has put a kind and giving, female face on football. Breast cancer has touched many lives, including players, trainers and coaches. Fans and supporters are anxious to get involved in anyway possible.”
In less than 3 months, over $140,000 has been raised through this sporting event in sponsorship donations for this health initiative. An additional $50,000 worth of food, supplies, etc., have been donated, bringing the total to close to $200,000. This unique, but powerful relationship between a state university, a charitable organization and medical research has gained national attention from the NCAA, ESPN, and the WAC.
Game Events include:
- Large pink ribbons painted on the field
- NMSU football coaches dressed in pink shirts
- Harley Davidson “Hog” riders will parade in “pink” to stadium
- Alumni & communitywide “Pink” Tailgate competition
- Fans wearing pink T’shirts will create a “Pink Out” at the stadium
- Special publication inserted in game program
- Pink merchandise, giveaways and much more!
What started as a national cowboy oriented awareness, the ‘Tough Enough to Wear Pink’ initiative has gone from the rodeo arena to the football stadium. Thanks to Coach Mumme, the nationwide movement, ‘Tough Enough To Wear Pink’ continues to gather speed raising awareness and funds to fight breast cancer, not only cowboy style but football style.
New Mexico State University along with the Aggie Athletics Department is encouraging the Las Cruces community to attend the game as a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to ‘Cowboys for Cancer Research’. Fans will be giving the opportunity to donate to the great cause at the game. Be a part of the largest ‘Tough Enough to Wear Pink’ fund raising event in history, as well as the biggest fund raising event in Las Cruces. For tickets call the Pan Am Ticket Office at (505) 646-1420 or go to www.ticketmaster.com.
Courtesy: New Mexico State University
