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This Thursday, Portland State head volleyball coach Michael Seemann is looking for a "pink out" in the Viking Pavilion as the University of Montana comes to town for its 7 p.m. return match with the Vikings.
 
Officially, it's Block Out Cancer Night, when Viking fans can help raise money for the fight against breast cancer by pledging before or during the match to donate a gift of any amount for every block the Vikings record against Montana (Donate here: https://pledgeit.org/psu-blockcancer). And Seemann hopes everyone will wear pink to symbolize the effort.
 
"Something like this means a lot to our staff and players, many of whom know someone or have a family member who has suffered from breast cancer," said Seemann. Most collegiate volleyball teams participate in the American Cancer Society (ACS) sponsored event during the season, he said. 
 
PSU has participated mostly through away matches. "We've sponsored these events in the past and thought our first year in our new Viking Pavilion home was the perfect year to host another one," Seeman said.
 
The Vikings' participation means a lot to freshman defensive specialist Mackenzie Sullivan, whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 18 months ago.
 
"My mom has been battling breast cancer for the past 18 months. It affected our family in so many ways, teaching us all to be strong and stay positive. Mom endured six months of chemo therapy, a double mastectomy and five weeks of radiation. She never let this terrible diagnosis get her down and was determined to beat it…and she did!" said Sullivan.
 
"My mom never missed one of my games [while undergoing treatment] and even traveled to all my volleyball tournaments and college visits. She did all this with a smile on her face. I've learned so much from her about strength and resilience."
 
PSU Director of External Operations Lindsey Webster has been working with the American Cancer Society on Block Out Cancer Night. "They have donated items for the first 100 guests Thursday and there are several other things planned which will make this a fun event.  ACS will also be providing someone special to sing the opening national anthem."
 
Webster stressed that fans can also make a pledge during the match if they miss the chance beforehand.
 
"Events like Block Out Cancer Night help raise awareness about these issues so people will be more aware of their own health as well as the health of people who are close to them," said Seemann.
 
He pointed to Sullivan as an example of how breast cancer can affect a family.

"My mom has taught me to always look for the positive things in life and always do things that make you happy. She's my number one supporter, and I will always be eternally grateful for her. I love and admire her more than she will even know," said Sullivan.
 
And that, said Seemann, is "a great example of why we think this is so important. It's very uplifting for me and for our team to be involved in this."