Loretta Coady MacAulay to participate in ceremonial tip-off
Panther Basketball will hold its annual Shoot for the Cure fundraiser on Saturday evening when both the women’s and men’s teams play the Memorial University Sea-Hawks at the UPEI Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre.
The women’s game begins at 6 pm with a Shoot for the Cure ceremonial tip-off featuring breast cancer survivor Loretta Coady MacAulay.
“The UPEI Women’s Basketball team is honoured to have Loretta Coady MacAulay participate in the ceremonial tip-off,” said team captain and Shoot for the Cure organizer Kiera Rigby. “She is an inspiration to us all and embodies the meaning of ‘cancer survivor’.”
MacAulay is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for stage 3a breast cancer after being diagnosed and undergoing a mastectomy in September. What makes the 48-year-old Charlottetown lawyer’s story remarkable is that she only went for a mammogram after her 85-year-old mother had been diagnosed with stage 4-breast cancer in April 2016. Sadly, Mrs. Coady passed away on October 31st as her breast cancer was very aggressive and more advanced, and because of other health issues, wasn’t a candidate for treatment. 
“I really feel that my mother saved my life, because, but for her unfortunate diagnosis, I wouldn't have gone for a routine mammogram before I was 50 because I had no symptoms or genetic family history,” said MacAulay. “I decided early on that I intend to be a survivor—I'm not really giving myself any other option and have surrounded myself with a lot of positive people.”
Shoot for the Cure fundraising activities during the game include a t-shirt and bake sale. Rigby will also be having her hair cut during the men’s game at halftime to donate to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign that makes wigs for women who have lost their hair as a result of cancer treatment.
Due to the Charlottetown Christmas Parade on Saturday evening, fans attending the Women's Hockey game at 3 pm and Women's Basketball game at 6 pm are reminded to access campus from the Belvedere Avenue entrance.
