Feature: Pink Out Returns to Gates Center on Saturday
By: Tom Davis
At her core, the late Mary Lou Marchesano devoted her 69 years to caring for others. It was one of her passions.
Her daughter, Maria Marchesano, who is in her third season of leading the Purdue Fort Wayne women’s basketball program, hasn’t fallen far from Mary Lou’s tree.
Maria not only strives to make a positive impact on the lives of her student-athletes, but on Saturday, she will play a role in the Mastodons’ 17th annual Pink Out game, which is far more reaching than just 40 minutes of basketball, according to Maria.
“It’s not just the game,” Maria explained. “It’s a whole day (of activities).”
The Purdue Fort Wayne women’s sports programs (basketball, golf, softball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, and track and field) have been raising funds online (you may donate at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2024pfwpinkout/) to assist those who have been affected by breast cancer, in conjunction with Lutheran Health Network, the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, Fort Financial, and WANE 15.
“Being from Fort Wayne,” Marchesano said, “and knowing the Vera Bradley name, and then coming back and seeing how much we collaborate with the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer research, and then being in unison with our game, I just think that it is so cool.”
The event has been special to Marchesano each of the two seasons that the Elmhurst High School graduate has been a part of the festivities since taking over as head coach of the Mastodons in the spring of 2021. However, this year holds an even more significant place in her heart.
Mary Lou had battled breast cancer twice in her life, and survived, but succumbed to lung cancer on May 12, 2023, which was her 69th birthday.
“It’s a special day for me, even before losing my mom,” Marchesano said. “It is always a big day for me, but even more so now.”
Part of the festivities is a luncheon at the International Ball Room at noon, followed by guest speakers, one of whom is Dr. Mary Ann Meo of Lutheran Health Network. Not only is Dr. Meo nationally renowned for her work in the field of treating breast cancer, but she had treated Mary Lou.
“Dr. Meo is known throughout the United States for how good she is on this topic,” Marchesano said. “She speaks and gives such good information, such useful information.”
Purdue Fort Wayne coaches, athletic department staff, and university leaders will also attend the luncheon and speak to the crowd, as will Erica Hyatt, a breast cancer patient, who has founded and serves as the President of the local non-profit organization Breastie Boxes.
“They will give (survivors) a gift pack,” Marchesano explained. “They bring you out at halftime and honor you.
“It’s not just a game. There is a real effort to not only bring awareness (of breast cancer) and fundraising, but also to honor and support those who are going through it right now.”
For more on the day and event, visit this link.