Jayhawks host 10th annual KU’s Ladies Night Out to raise money for cancer research
LAWRENCE, Kan. – More than 450 women gathered in Allen Fieldhouse for the 10th annual Ladies Night Out hosted by Kansas men’s basketball Wednesday evening. The annual sold out event raises more than $60,000 for cancer research.
Players and staff joined the 450-plus women to show them a behind-the-scenes look at the KU program. In conjunction with breast cancer awareness month, the event supports cancer treatment and research at LMH Health and the KU Cancer Center. Many of the event’s attendees are cancer survivors or have been directly affected by the disease.
“Guys that have done this in the past have enjoyed this,” KU head coach Bill Self said. “It’s a good event that brings some awareness and raises money for breast cancer awareness. There have been so many ladies that will be here tonight that have been touched by this disease. And all of us have been touched, at least indirectly, in some way, shape or form. It’s a good event and our players will enjoy being a part of it.”
Sponsors for the 2019 Ladies Night Out include LMH Health and 23rd Street Brewery in Lawrence.
“It means a lot for the little amount we can do to spread the awareness about cancer overall,” KU sophomore guard Devon Dotson said. “Cancer is a big thing, everywhere around the world, and doing our part means a lot to us.”
With the contingent sitting on the west side bleachers of Allen Fieldhouse, following a couple KU videos, Self coordinated introductions with each player, coach and staff member introducing themselves.
Then the players and staff participated in a Q&A session and giveaways. Following, the attendees split up into smaller groups and headed off to stations throughout the Kansas Athletics complex.
Stations included a pictures and autographs with players, a strength and conditioning demonstration by Director of Sport Performance Ramsey Nijem, a coaches panel with Self and KU assistants Kurtis Townsend, Norm Roberts and Jerrance Howard, basketball drills in Allen Fieldhouse and a photo opportunity with many recent KU championship trophies.
“It’s always fun, hanging out with the ladies and being able to raise money for cancer,” KU senior center Udoka Azubuike said. “We always look forward to this event.”
Ladies Night Out is one of several Jayhawks for the Cure events that takes place throughout the calendar year. Pink out games for KU’s 18 varsity home events also raise awareness and funds for the cause. Student-athletes, coaches and staff work together with the university and the community of Lawrence to raise money for cancer research at LMH Health and the KU Cancer Center.
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