Nike Women Blog

My Music RX

DevanCook — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:10:00 GMT

You know that feeling you get after hearing a new song that inspires you and you can't wait to share it with everyone you know? Music serves as a universal language, communicating ideas and feelings that we can’t always express through conversation. Using this globally shared passion as a platform, the Children’s Cancer Association, with the help of Nike Women and several other volunteers recently launched an interactive website, MyMusicRx. On the site music lovers can download songs from iTunes and simultaneously support a good cause; 5 percent of each purchase is donated to CCA to help children with critical illnesses. I recently had the pleasure of meeting the founder of CCA, Regina Ellis, to find out more about this unique program.

“Kids need more than medicine,” Regina told me when I asked her how the idea for MusicRx came about. “And one of the most universally healing things in the world is music.”

Fifteen years before the MyMusicRx site was launched, the MusicRx program was started when CCA teamed up with volunteers from Nike to create a live music cart that brought music straight to the hospital rooms of the children. The cart, which Regina describes as being like “a musical ice cream truck,” carries instruments and other interactive tools including recording software and a karaoke machine through the halls of the hospital. The kids are given the opportunity to participate in making music, which has been a very therapeutic experience for them and their families.

As athletes know, music is one of the best things we can use to fuel our motivation. It’s what gets our blood pumping, and what keeps us moving during our training sessions. Which is what makes the MyMusicRx website such a great opportunity for our Nike Women community. Not only can you download songs for your workout playlists at no additional cost and have a portion of the proceeds go to a good cause, but the website also provides the opportunity to prescribe songs to the kids. When you hear that inspirational song that you want to share with your friends, why not take the opportunity to share it with a kid in the MyMusicRx program? Individual songs or complete playlists can be shared with the kids: your own personal prescription to brighten their day.

Regina also informed me CCA is in the process of working with specific artists to conduct live performances and have their personal messages featured on the site. Several up and coming musical acts performed at the MyMusicRx launch party at South By Southwest in Austin earlier this year, and Regina hopes to do more events like the major music festival.

“Music is our platform,” Regina says. “I’m passionate about music lovers being able to prescribe their favorite songs.”

After speaking with Regina and seeing how much hard work, commitment, and love has been put into this flagship program—the only kind like it in the world—I’m feeling pretty passionate about it too. I can’t wait to go download a new workout mix, and share some handpicked motivational tunes with these kids!

Next time you need some new music, be sure to check out mymusicrx.org.

-Devan Cook

Back On My Feet

RachelHorning — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 06:30:43 GMT

Last week I began running again for the first time in over a month. I injured my back, and for once I obeyed the doctor’s orders and stayed at home and iced. Luckily, I got the OK to run just two days before I was set to interview my new friend Melissa Carabello. We had planned on running during the interview! She is a runner with Back On My Feet (BOMF), a nonprofit organization that promotes self-sufficiency in homeless people by engaging them in running as a way of building confidence.

Melissa has been running with BOMF for the past 15 months. She came from an interim house where she was in recovery from drug addiction. But at 5:45 in the morning, she is dragging my butt up some steep hills in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. She talked to me about her recovery, her will to push through, and her desire to be fit. Most evident, though, was her passion for her teammates. She admits that she doesn’t even like running (she prefers to bike), but she does it because she knows her team is counting on her to be out there, running next to them.

Not only is Melissa recovering, but she is also enrolled in a fast-track GED nursing program and taking night classes. Her goal is to be a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a medical assistant after she graduates.

Sure, BOMF was a great catalyst in helping Melissa lead a healthy lifestyle, but as she says, she could have never arrived where she is if it hadn’t been her own decision. She found motivation within herself to move forward and to change her life. At the end of the interview, I asked her what the world needs to know about Melissa Carabello. She looked at me, all business but with a hint of a smile, and said, “The world needs to expect big things, because I do.”

To learn more about Back On My Feet, visit www.backonmyfeet.org. They have groups that run in cities all over the U.S. Join a team, get a great run in, and meet someone with an unbelievably motivating story!

-Rachel Horning

A New Kind Of Leader

KatieBoggs — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 17:45:14 GMT

When we usually think about leaders, specific people come to mind: Individuals who have personally impacted our lives and the lives of others around us. But this week, I had the privilege to meet a different kind of leader. In fact, an entire team of leaders: the Santa Clarita Skyhawks. It’s a semi-pro football team that plays for one purpose: to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer. No awards. No money. No fame. Simply playing the sport they love for a cause they believe in.

It all started when Jamil Antoine and Michael Mcintyre decided it was time to play football for something more than simply the love of the game. They teamed up with a nonprofit pediatric cancer organization called The Michael Hoefflin Foundation and created the Skyhawks. Word quickly spread and football players from all over southern California came together to be a part of this cause. The team raised funds for uniforms, joined a league, and started practicing. They are only in their first season and have already made a huge impact in the community and the sport of football as a whole.

And it was easy to sense the impact these men have made the second I stepped onto the field. It’s a unique sense of leadership, camaraderie, integrity and selflessness that I have never seen in a team before. No one is playing for personal glory or self-satisfaction. They are playing as one unit for a cause greater than any medal can ever bring. And when they win, it’s not about league standings, rankings, or fame. It’s about being victorious for every courageous child that is fighting cancer and for every family that has lost a loved one to this terrible disease.

This team is a leader in their community, a leader in cancer awareness, and a leader in the game of football. My definition of what it means to be a leader is forever changed after meeting these remarkable individuals.

I will be following the Skyhawks through their season to track their progress on the field, and more importantly, how it impacts lives off the field. So keep checking my blog and root for the Santa Clarita Skyhawks as they raise awareness and help fight cancer!

-Katie Boggs

One State At A Time

GinaVenier — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:40:34 GMT

Her name is Ashley Kumlien. Her journey is from California to New York. Her cause is Multiple Sclerosis. Her motivation is her mother.

Ashley Kumlien is a 26 year-old, high energy, “tougher than an ox” athlete from Brookfield, Wisconsin. She has never taken for granted the ability to put one foot in front of the other. She believes running is a gift. So this chick is on a mission - a 3,230 mile mission, that is. Ashley is running through the middle of America to raise donations and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. Her mother has battled with MS for 28 years, and Ashley finds inspiration and motivation to use the body she has been given to run for her cause. Here’s how she’s putting it all into action: Ashley is running 20-30 miles, six days a week, for approximately six months. You want inspirational? You want leadership? Look no further – you found it in Ashley Kumlien.

Can you say leader of the pack?

The starting line was in San Francisco, California, and the finish line is in New York, New York. I had the distinct privilege to chat with Miss Ashley herself while she was trekking through Pennsylvania, one state away from her final destination. She didn’t take any time away from her trails either, as she talked while she traveled. Dang, girl.

Check out the interview details between Ashley and me. Here’s how it went down:

Gina: Tell me about your journey so far – how’s it going?

Ashley: So far, it’s been amazing to be this far, and to realize that I am just days away from finishing a 6 month journey across America. I’ve really taken this journey for my mom and for others with MS and to raise money and awareness for it. It’s hard to put an emotional package on how everything is going to feel when I finish.

Gina: I can’t imagine the physical and emotional roller coaster that you’ve been on the past few months. What motivates you to keep pushing?

Ashley: My mom has had MS for over 28 years, since before I was born. I’m inspired by her. I’ve had to grow up my whole life seeing the progression of the disease that took away some of her independence. I’ve been an athlete my whole life. I love fitness and sports, soccer and running; and as an adult, I knew that they were gifts that I didn’t want to take for granted. I have been really into running and sports, and it has been amplified by my mom’s inability to do those things.

Gina: That’s very inspiring, Ashley. It’s obvious that you keep in shape, and use fitness as a way to strengthen your mind and body. But…I gotta ask…how exactly do you train for a 3,230 mile run?

Ashley: Ha! Well, a huge benefit is growing up loving running. I run every day. I started running cross country in high school, and played soccer in college. My muscles and bones are formed to be a good foundation as a runner. I changed my perspective of what the body is capable of doing, in order to do this feat for my mom. Once I realized I could run to inspire people, I was able to go from 13 mile races to 50 mile races in a matter of five weeks. I feel that the mental side of it is a huge attribute to be able to cover the amount of miles.

Gina: Wow, that’s pretty incredible. Earlier you mentioned you consider running a gift. Tell me what exactly you meant by that.

Ashley: The biggest thing, no matter what it may be- one mile or five miles or a marathon, or not even running at all; maybe it could be something different for fitness- but exercising is a gift that we have been given. It’s not a privilege. It may be painful sometimes, but it’s such a huge benefit for your body. I think it should be viewed as a gift; if you view it as a gift, you become very thankful for it.

Gina: I love your perspective on that. You’re such an inspiration to women. How can we get your attitude and outlook to rub off on us, at least a little?

Ashley: Being a woman, it’s important to be fit and healthy. I feel that women have a lot of responsibility, and it’s hard to find a balance. Fitness is something we can claim for ourselves; it’s something good that I am doing for myself. You can feel better about yourself, too.

Gina: Ashley, you have been wonderful. Keep on the journey, and know that you have many supporters and followers rooting for you along the way. Thank you so much for your time.

It was beyond extraordinary being able to talk with Ashley. What a cool chick.

Ashley’s on the home stretch. She’s knocked out 12 of her 13 states, so far.

She will cross the finish line in New York at City Hall on Tuesday, September 28th. Follow the rest of her journey on her Facebook or Twitter account: MS Run the US.

Also, read more on Ashley and check out her website at www.msruntheus.com

So it’s official: Ashley defines the description of the ultimate Nike Woman.

You go, girl. Just do it.

-Gina V.

Becoming The Believer

LisaLane — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:00:31 GMT

Not everyone is so lucky to have an individual they can call their role model, someone who sets the example and one can strive to be like.

Looking at college, for example; not everyone graduates high school knowing that is the path they want to take. Maybe they do not have a parent or older sibling who went to college. Maybe they are afraid they cannot afford it or would not be good enough to make it. Maybe…all they needed was someone to show them the way.

I am pointing this out because there just might be a kid living next door or around the block that is just dying to have someone to look up to. All they want is a person to believe in them and a person willing to sacrifice some of their spare time in order to show them the ropes.

Two years ago, I discovered a program through my school called Junior Cats. This program pairs young kids in the neighborhood with a college student. These kids are smart, funny, and outgoing. They have dreams and goals. What they did not have was someone to believe in them or someone they could look up to.

I became a Senior Cat because I wanted to step up and be a leader to one of these kids. Knowing I could be the one that showed them higher education is possible inspired me. I was excited to be the one person that they could look up to and talk to. I was going to be the motivator, the encourager, and the believer.

Through Junior Cats and mentoring relationships, the group is able to encourage kids to pursue higher education. We took them under our wing for a day to expose them to college spirit, involvement, and athletics, in addition to academics. This provides them with a comprehensive college experience that will hopefully inspire them to want to work hard to go to college.

We talked to them about the importance of academics and work while mixing it up with skits on school spirit and traditions. They were able to tour the campus and the football stadium. We played games throughout the day to break it up, and had time to just get to know the kids individually.

The highlight of their day (OF COURSE!) was attending a football game. They did not just attend the game like normal fans. We took them into the student section...on the 50 yard line…and put them on the jumbo-tron. Words could not describe how it felt to watch their faces light up.

All it took was one day to make a difference in the life of another deserving individual. Being a leader and setting an example changes who you are as a person as well. When my junior cat left that day, I knew we both had impacted one another’s lives.

Look for a similar program, start one of your own, or just take the time to help a kid in your neighborhood. Step up and be a leader! JUST DO IT!

Tweet me @NFR_Lisa and tell me about your experience taking on the leadership role!

-Lisa Lane

Primetime Knockout!

GevrinaSeferaj — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:45:29 GMT

Prime Time Knock Out was out of this world!

Nike did it again! The Primetime Knock Out definitely has to be one of my favorite events yet. First of all, the way to my little heart is rap music and the DJ played all the right hits getting the party started right away. The kids were wild, dancing to the latest hits like "teach me how to dougie" and "Tik Tok." Not to mention the location! A tennis court on Pier 54, in New York's Meat Packing District? WOW! I was definitely feeling the energy and even made my way over to some kids who actually taught me how to 'dougie.'

As the night continued, it was time to see the tennis stars we had all been waiting for! First,John McEnroe, came out followed by the one and only Serena Williams. Cast and all she looked beautiful, sporting all Nike black. She looked GREAT! Then came Rafael Nadal with his partner, supermodel, Bar Refaeli. They were to challenge Victoria Azarenka and her partner Justin Tuck from the New York Giants. It was really comical watching Tuck and Refaeli try to play with such tennis super stars, but they did well all in all.

Then came Maria Sharapova with her handsome doubles partner Bradley Cooper! Yes, the same Bradley Cooper from The Hangover. Their match up was Roger Federer, with one lucky kid, Sammy, that was picked from the beginning of the night. So lucky that he got to hug everyone! I must admit, for a second I wanted to be that kid playing with all those stars!

The crowd, kids, fan and media loved this event. Most importantly, the event was making a difference in the community, and all the big names in tennis along with some celebs were excited to be there. After the media got a chance to have a Q & A session with McEnroe, Federer, Nadal, Sharapova, and Azarenka, the festivities out on the pier continued. You could either take a picture at the photo booth, make your own t-shirt, shop, or simply eat some good food. Well, I did it all!

-Gevrina

Operation Second Base

LisaLane — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:05:35 GMT

“Operation Second Base”, “Save the Boobies”, and “I Love Tata’s” are some of the slogans people were wearing and shouting today at the Susan G. Komen breast cancer event. It did not matter if you were a survivor, family member affected by the cancer, or just an individual who wants to put an end to breast cancer…everyone was racing for a cure!

The day started as early as 7 a.m. and 12,000 individuals in pink packed the street. This year in the United States alone, more than 9,000 young women under 40 will be told they have breast cancer. That statistic brought people from all lifestyles together on one special day in hopes to put an end to breast cancer.

Race for the Cure is an event that takes place all over the United States to raise money for breast cancer research. My friends and I wore pink shirts that said “Operation Second Base” and walked the 5K together. This day was touching inspiring, and eye opening for all of us. It put in perspective how many lives this disease has affected.

My grandmother survived breast cancer and some of my friends are battling it within their family as well. This cancer hits home to many, and by simply walking in the race today, we are hopefully preventing others from having to suffer from this cancer as well. All the money goes towards the foundation that is looking for a cure so no other female, male, or family has to go through the pain.

This walk/run was full of high energy. Cheerleaders, volunteers, and bands cheered everyone on throughout the race. Those participating were dressed up in all sorts of crazy outfits. From pink wigs to pink tutus, everyone showed their support cheering and waving signs. You could not help but feel this sense of connection with those around you. The day turned out to be an absolute blast, and I felt so proud to say I raced for a cure.

As an active young woman, we need to be aware of the risks of breast cancer. Although rare, young women can get breast cancer, even in their 20’s. Now is the time to learn how to prevent breast cancer, how to detect breast cancer, and what puts you at risk for breast cancer.

If you would like to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in your area, go to www.komen.org. Tweet me at NFR_Lisa and tell me about your experience walking in Race for the Cure!

-Lisa Lane

Full Circle

DanaSpera — Wed, 19 May 2010 21:45:05 GMT

I was given a great opportunity this past January. I went back to my high school and began a coaching career. The sport I coach is cheerleading. Words cannot express how excited I was when this job was offered to me. Some things do come full circle. Here I am, back in high school coaching a sport I thought ended four years ago.

Through hard work and sweat this group of young ladies has demonstrated drastic improvements. With mostly freshmen at the helm they have mastered so much. With the commitment to the squad and their school this group has become a true "Team". The cheerleading squad has accomplished many feats. It might have been a tough grind for these girls, but the results have been astounding.

I implore you to get involved in your community. Find something you love to do, then, see who needs an extra hand. You will be amazed when your feelings of pride out weigh the dollars on your check.

-Dana Spera

Let's Fight!

LisaLane — Sat, 15 May 2010 15:45:31 GMT

How do you know what is worth fighting for? Well, you fight for what you believe in, and what you are passionate about. You fight because you want to make a difference. For students at my campus, one thing they feel is worth fighting for is brain tumor research.

This organization was founded in 2002, after students realized that other than leukemia, this particular disease is the number once cancer killer of teenagers. With those facts, students wanted to start to raise money and bring awareness to the disease.

Recently, my friends and I walked in the Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research (SSBTR) walk-a-thon. We saw our students on campus were working hard to make a difference in the life of another, and we wanted to help support their cause. It was raining, cold, and the worst possible day for a walk-a-thon, but to my surprise a big crowd still showed up. This made me realize that you have to fight every day if you want to make a difference.

With the rain pouring down, the school band continued to play, and the students gathered us together to share some facts about the disease and the prevention research being done. On this day, I knew my small contribution made a difference in the life of another individual.

What this walk did for me, is made me start to think about what I feel is worth fighting for. I enjoy giving back to my community, but maybe there is one thing I am extremely passionate about that I can start to focus on. This walk made me realize that my small ways of giving back are making a difference, and that was a rewarding feeling. From now on, I am going to put more effort into helping others, and day by day make this world a little better place to live in.

One must always remember: “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted “(Aesop, Greek Fable Writer).

Twitter me at NFR_Lisa and share with me what you feel is worth fighting for!

-Lisa Lane

Golfing for a Good Cause

KatieHennessey — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:25:06 GMT

Recently I was able to join my former travel softball team, but not for the usual practice. This was for a fundraiser to help support the team throughout their upcoming summer season.

Normally ,I prefer a bat and softball as opposed to a golf ball and club; but for this I would make an exception.

From the beginning to the end, I tried hard to put on my game face and act like a competitor despite the fact that my game was pretty rusty.

Thankfully the layout of the tournament was a two-man scramble and my partner, my dad,happened to be a man of golf experience.

We went from hole to hole and I soon realized by hole 12 that my drive was not very good, but I still had some putting touch.

Overall we finished somewhere in the 70s, (all because of my dad) and I had worked up quite the sweat.

When we were done with the golfing part of it I was able to enjoy dinner with some of the current players and hear all about their aspirations for college athletics. All of the seniors had already been signed to softball programs throughout the country. Needless to say I was extremely proud of the team that I was once a part of.

So ladies, if there is a way to get out there and help a team in need, do it! The reward is all yours as you are able to see young women dream and succeed, and get to that next level of competition.

-Katie Hennessey

Girl Power

MaryCatherineHolcomb — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:10:57 GMT

“Anything you can do, I can do better, I can do anything better than you!”

Raise your hand if you’ve once, twice or more times than you can count, when up against a guy in a sport you were determined to prove to him that you are just as good as him, if not better. I’m not sure about you, but I’ve got both of my hands and feet waving over here because I was always that girl who just had to prove she could play football, baseball or basketball just as well as any other guy my age. (Guys are late bloomers, so it’s safe to say I won’t be the first to sign up for tackle football these days.) But interviewing Nike athlete Seimone Augustus before her jersey retirement ceremony reiterated the fact that girls can be just as good as anyone. She joined eight other male athletes in her college’s history to have a jersey retired. Not sure about you, but that’s one feat that years ago, many others probably thought couldn’t have been possible. But Seimone turned the tide when she entered Tiger Country and brought life back to women’s basketball – something hard to do where die-hard football fans reside. But she did it. She snagged numerous titles, filled numerous seats. And she won many hearts in the purple and gold clad land of her alma mater. Of course, Seimone’s head-turning athletic abilities aren’t easy to find or easy to achieve, but just think, if she had someone telling her that she couldn’t get to where she is today, do you think it would have pushed her or stopped her? Who knows? But what I do know is that there are organizations, including www.girlsontherun.org, promoting healthy living and high self-esteem for young girls and in turn, pushing them to their limits. Check it out and see how you can become involved in developing young female athletes and perhaps developing the next Seimone.

“Anything you can be, I can be greater. Sooner or later, I’m greater than you.” Breaking barriers and breaking records – join the trend.

-Mary Catherine Holcomb

Kids

JamieErdahl — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:30:14 GMT

I recently spent a morning helping with a local youth basketball organization. Being a former collegiate basketball player, I figured my experience alone could get me through the morning just fine. This may have been true if I was working with children over the age of 4, however this was not the case.

For a majority of the kids in the gym that morning, this was the first time they had touched a basketball. I was lucky to not be the person leading this operation, I was merely there to work with the occasional ‘little one’ and show them how to shoot or dribble. I should define the description of my duties a little better. By shoot I merely mean showing them how to throw the ball in the general direction of the basket,which at this point, was just a bit higher than their current height. And by dribble, I mean keep the ball bouncing in front of them without it going off their foot, or lose concentration and walk away from the ball. This part of the morning just took care of warming up for the actual game playing.

After going over the general basics of basketball, like which basket to score in and how passing is GOOD, it was time to play! However, before the shenanigans began,I must share the quote that I will most likely keep as my quote for 2010 (and yes, I do realize it is only March). One of the kids longingly asked: “Can I play goalie?” This provided the gym with not only a teaching point as to how playing basketball does not require goalies, but a bright spot of laughter for the day.

The morning was long, exhausting, and full of teaching – but not just on my part. I was learning from these kids, just as much as I was trying to teach them. The pure energy and genuine happiness these kids exuded all morning kept me in a smiling daze all day. Kids keep you young! They say what’s on their mind, act without worrying about being judged and laugh at everything. Three things that I want to do more of as a growing woman. In the beginning I would have called it ‘chasing’ the kids around all morning, but now I proudly say ‘hanging’ with the kids because it doesn’t feel like a task, but a joy!

You would be surprised at how much energy you can soak up from a little one.And if you try it out, and don’t agree, then hopefully you’ll get a good quote out of it!

-Jamie Erdahl

One Camp, One Dream

GevrinaSeferaj — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:25:28 GMT

Every year between the last week of June and the first week of July, I always know where I’m going to be. Think of it sort of like a vacation. The only difference is that this vacation is by far the most rewarding vacation one could ever attain.

For five years now, I have been going on what I call, “my little vacation” at ReCreation Camp in Orange. So what’s at ReCreation Camp that is so rewarding? The answer is quite simple, the art of serving another person.

Re-Creation Camp is a week long camp for adults with disabilities. Each volunteer is paired up one on one with a person that has a disability for an entire week, resulting in a long lasting friendship.

After meeting your buddy, you both embark on a series of adventures. There are a total of six teams that compete each day for the “spirit award” and other cool privileges.

Every day there is a different schedule of activities for each team to do, for example: scrap booking, drama class, art class, games, pool time, music class and much more. Aside from all of these fun things, there is also a concert, a field trip, a talent show, and a dance.

Everyone comes together and genuinely loves one another. There is so much acceptance and beauty at this camp that I feel truly honored that I get accepted every year to come and volunteer. Not only do you make some unbreakable bonds like I have, but you learn a lot about yourself. You learn to love freely and appreciate all the simple things that most of us take for granted.

I can always look back at all the memories I have been blessed with, as well as the laughs, the friendships, and most importantly the buddies. I grew very close to my buddy Teresa. To me she is a woman of beauty, a woman who exemplifies pure love. She taught me so much, that my friend Marissa and I realized that we are the ones with disabilities not them. All of us are so preoccupied with things that are at times insignificant. Always wanting more and never appreciating the small things is what every single person who volunteers walks away realizing.

If you would like more information, or would like to become part of this memorable organization, you can visit our website at http://recreationcampoc.com , or even go on YouTube and watch our famous videobooth by typing in Re-creation Camp Videobooth. Please help support a great cause!

-Gevrina Seferaj

Pack The Place Pink Night

MelissaEnaje — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:10:30 GMT

A near-sellout crowd of 11,865 fans dressed in cotton candy pink took over the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma as part of ESPN’s February Frenzy on Monday evening, February 15, to raise awareness about the fight against breast cancer.

Teaming up with Nike, the two day broadcast of women’s basketball showcased teams decked in “all pink everything.” Players donned the first ever Nike women’s pro-combat pink uniforms, pink sports bras, Hyperize GS shoes and pink tube socks. And if one paid close attention to detail, every piece the players wore showcased the Kay Yow breast cancer ribbon. Even the referees were making calls on their pink whistles! Yet, the true highlight of the night belonged to the teams’ unique efforts in raising funds for the official charity of the initiative, the Kay Yow/Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Cancer Fund, which partners with The V Foundation.

Let me break it down, Coach Kay Yow was a phenomenal woman, having been a Hall of Fame basketball coach and heading her North Carolina team for 34 years. Yow tremendously led the 1988 U.S. women’s team to a gold medal. The year before the U.S women’s team received that honor, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Nonetheless, she accomplished record game wins and appearances at the national collegiate tournament, while ongoing treatment. But as her players from her glory days know, Yow continued to be a leader who believed in them and inspired them to never give up.

Team efforts included auctioning a variety of items such as game jerseys autographed by each member and coach, signed game day t-shirts worn by the fans, a Nike pink swoosh game ball and even a framed photo collage. According to the WBCA charity history, the 2009 campaign raised over $1.3 million dollars, reached over 912,000 fans and saw almost 60 schools break attendance records at their events.

Every goal starts with a vision, which assembles itself by forming small steps of change. Did you know Nike began their involvement with breast cancer awareness by giving teams shoelaces? Today, it has transformed into pink merchandise galore. And since Nike is a founding partner of the Kay Yow Foundation, be sure to cop the official game day Hyperize Three Quarter kicks, or the Kay Yow t-shirt, mesh basketball shorts, basketball, and even the drawstring backpack. But it’s not just about being just a regular consumer, how about the sweet deal of knowing that every purchase automatically comes back as a donation to the foundation.

As for me, the game will go down in my personal hall of fame, due to the crowd’s glorious energy given off that night. Every cheer by a fan was heartfelt, every point brought an occasion to rise and every distinct shade of pink in that arena brought hope to countless faces who continue to fight for what belongs to them, their life.

As for Marsha Sharp, legendary women’s coach and Executive Director of the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer fund, she couldn’t wait to grab a pair of those “cool” pink socks, a sentiment of her satisfaction for the event.

“It couldn’t have been any better, it was beautiful!” said Sharp. “I thought with the shoes and the uniforms, the way both benches looked, you know the fact that everyone in the arena had pink on, it was a really, really special time.”

-Missy Enaje

Reuse-A-Shoe

SarinaMorales — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:45:59 GMT

Hand me downs are the worse! I know being the youngest in my family. I’d get all the hand me down clothes from my sister when all I wanted was new ones! I remember times when I even tried to create my own clothing by somehow attempting to make new things using the shirts and shorts I was given. This didn’t really work, but it was a good idea to me at the time.

And now with the New Year well on its way, I’m sure many of you have sorted through all your old pairs of Nike’s and replaced them with the new ones you received from Christmas. Keep in mind, instead of trying to give your younger sibling your old shoes, give your old kicks to someone else in need, or something. Donate your shoes to the Reuse-a-Shoe program. Today, your worn athletic shoes can live on in something new (Besides your little sister’s foot), like a track, a basketball court or a playground.

The Reuse-a-Shoe program recycles old Nikes similar to the way you recycle old cans and bottles. The program collects shoes from various locations around the globe, and uses the rubber and shoe material to create new courts, tracks and floors. Instead of trying to create new things out of old things as I unsuccessfully did way back when,let Nike handle the creative part. Trust me they are good at it!

Think of the good you could be doing with your old shoes! With the environment being a priority in today’s conversations, why not take some more initiative? Nike’s ultimate goal is to one day have not only recycle shoes, but apparel and equipment as well. This way the materials Nike uses will go through many cycles of design, manufacture and use.Just like bottles, cans and paper do now.

To find out more on how you can get involved check out www.nikereuseashoe.com

-Sarina