Ithaca Volleyball Continues Work With Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes
ITHACA, N.Y. – It has been a busy start to the 2016 season for the Ithaca College volleyball team. Returning to South Hill in late August, the team has grinded through a rigorous preseason and has raced out to a 7-2 record through the first full week of the season. While down time away from the court and classroom has been sparse, the team frequently can be found devoting those hours to the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes.
Founded in 1994 as the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance, the organization has witnessed great expansion over its 22 years, changing its name to the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes in 2007 to reflect the non-profit organization's expanded mission to service everyone affected by cancer in the Finger Lakes region. The organization moved to its current headquarters at 612 West State Street in 2007 and has continued to expand the range of programs it has offered over the past decade of service.
"The work that the Cancer Resource Center does is a cause that is near and dear to our hearts," head coach
Johan Dulfer said. "Ithaca College is such a big part of the fabric of our community and the community has given us so much support, so our program is motivated to give something back to those who need our help. The organization's impact throughout the Finger Lakes region is beyond measure and it is our hope to continue to cultivate our program's relationship with the organization moving forward."
IC's volleyball team began its work with the organization during the preseason. The team traveled down to the West State Street location to help with yardwork and had the opportunity to meet interact with several beneficiaries of the organization's efforts. The team continued its work with the writing of letters to cancer victims in the community, something the team will continue to do throughout the year.
Ithaca continued its work with the organization this past Tuesday, as team members spread throughout the Fall Creek neighborhood of Ithaca, posting signs and raising awareness for the organization's "Run Around the Shops 5K" fundraiser on Sunday, October 2. More details on the event can be found here:
CLICK HERE.
"Many members of the volleyball program have been touched by cancer in one way or another, so our work with the Cancer Resource Center is something that means a lot to us," sophomore outside hitter
Kyle Dandrea said. "It is a great opportunity to come together as a team and help make a difference for those that need our help."
The team is set to continue its advocacy for the organization at its remaining home dates this season with fundraising efforts for the Angel Fund. The team will be accepting donations and will be selling "Angel Pins" for $5 with all proceeds benefiting the Cancer Resource Center. The Angel Fund was created in honor of Miguel Ángel Balsa Marín, who passed away from colon cancer in December of 2013. The fund helps cancer patients and their families cope with small expenses that make big differences.
"A lot of volleyball programs do the dig pink fundraiser during breast cancer awareness month in October," Dulfer continued. "While it is a great initiative that has had an immeasurable impact to many people throughout the country, the motivation of our work with the Cancer Resource Center is to focus that impact on our local community."
"We really have gotten to know many people throughout our community through our work with the center," Dandrea added. "The team has really enjoyed its work with the center."
Show your support for Ithaca Volleyball and its work with the Cancer Resource Center at the Bombers next home match, when IC welcomes Elmira College to Ben Light Gymnasium on Wednesday, September 21. Start time is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.