In 2002, Colorado Mesa University alumna Kathy Howa, ’86, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Nearly 25 years later, after also beating endometrial cancer, Howa is raising funds for cancer research through Swing for Life, a nonprofit organization she co-founded with Kendra Tomsic.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, CMU Volleyball will host its Dig Pink game against Fort Lewis College at 3 pm in Brownson Arena to support Howa's fundraising efforts and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
As a former CMU volleyball and softball player, Howa competed in back-to-back national softball tournaments during her time at CMU. She went on to spend 33 years as a health and physical educator and coach. She was inducted into the Utah Softball Hall of Fame in 2012 and received CMU's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019.
In 2003, while still undergoing treatment, she organized her first fundraiser with help from her student-athletes and local schools. The event raised $12,000 for breast cancer research and led to the establishment of Swing for Life in 2007.
Swing for Life works with athletes and teams across the country, from elementary school through college, to raise money for breast cancer research. The organization has raised more than $1.8 million for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, including more than $50,000 with support from CMU. Swing for Life donates 100% of its proceeds to the foundation.
Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the Dig Pink game to show their support for breast cancer research. CMU Athletics will give away pink shirts to the first fans to arrive.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, Oct. 3
Time: 3 pm
Location: Brownson Arena