Chicago Bulls #PinkOut Game Helps Raise Breast Cancer Awareness

Maria Laskowski of Franklin Park joined dozens of breast cancer survivors, fighters and family members from across Illinois, flanked by clinicians involved in their care, to #PinkOut the United Center at the Chicago Bulls game against the Indiana Pacers on October 10.

This was the sixth consecutive year that Advocate Health Care and the Chicago Bulls joined together to promote breast cancer awareness and honor those impacted by the disease, which one in eight women will develop during her lifetime.

"Raising awareness about the prevalence of breast cancer among women and the necessity of regular screenings to catch breast cancer early is important," said Dr. Nila H. Alsheik, Section Chief of Breast Imaging at the Caldwell Breast Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill and Chair of Breast Imaging at Advocate Health Care. “Screening mammography is the only modality shown to reduce death from breast cancer and we continue to strongly recommend annual screening mammography in all women beginning at age 40.”

Laskowski knows how important screenings are and she was diligent about getting annual mammograms. In October of last year, however, she realized she was late in scheduling her annual screening. She made an appointment at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and expected the results to come back normal. Instead, she received a call that radiologists had noticed something suspicious. Laskowski was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. However, Laskowski hasn’t let cancer stop her. During the course of her treatments, which included a mastectomy, eight rounds of chemotherapy treatments, and 28 daily rounds of radiation, she went to work every day, tried to work out daily, and began traveling more than ever before. She has become a cancer coach and mentor to other cancer patients going through treatment and hopes that sharing her story will help others.

“Being able to speak to others who have ‘been there, done that’ and see that they’re doing okay is huge for women currently going through treatment,” said Laskowski, who appreciated the opportunity to spend time with other breast cancer survivors and fighters during the October 10 game. “The best part of the night was participating in the human ribbon. It was really cool to be a part of that with others going through the same journey.”

Breast cancer survivors and fighters served as honorary captain, dished out High-Fives to Bulls players as they exited the locker room and formed a pink ribbon on the United Center court. Dr. Heidi Memmel, breast surgeon with Advocate and a breast cancer survivor herself, served as game ball presenter, while Advocate physician Dr. Andrew Van Bergen sang the national anthem.

"Every two minutes, a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer," said Dr. Memmel, who is medical co-director of the Caldwell Breast Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in park Ridge, Ill. "We're here to show our support and celebrate the strength and courage of this fantastic group of fighters and survivors, who just by being here are prompting others to do their self-breast exams, explore genetic testing and get their annual screenings.

Fans in the stadium received pink LED bracelets, and Bulls ambassadors, broadcasters, coaches and members of Bulls Entertainment incorporated pink into their wardrobes, as did Benny the Bull and the Luvabulls.

“One of the most meaningful ways we put our sports partnerships to work is by heightening awareness of the importance of prevention and early detection,” said Kelly Jo Golson, chief marketing officer of Advocate Aurora Health, of which Advocate Health Care is a part. “By collaborating with the Bulls to amplify this vital public health message, people across Chicagoland and beyond are reminded to get an annual screening mammogram or talk to their loved ones about it. That’s why we do this: to help people live well.”