In an inspiring blend of community spirit and athletic camaraderie, Dallas Wings’ center Kalani Brown recently hosted a heartwarming breast cancer awareness fundraiser at PINSTACK bowling alley. This event, Strike Out Cancer with Kalani & Friends, which combined fun and philanthropy, showcased the power of sports figures using their platforms for positive societal impact. The event was successful with proceeds benefiting the Kay Vow Foundtion.
Held at the vibrant PINSTACK in Irving, the fundraiser attracted fans, teammates, and community members, all rallying for a common cause: raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The evening was filled with activities, including bowling, arcade games, and a silent auction featuring signed Dallas Mavericks Luka Donฤiฤ All-Star jersey, a signed Texas Rangers Adolis Garcia jersey + bobblehead, and Dallas Wings memorabilia signed by Kalani Brown, Arike Ogunbowale, and Teaira McCowan!
Kalani Brown, known for her dominant presence on the court, demonstrated her commitment to off-court endeavors with this initiative. The event was not only a testament to her leadership but also a reflection of the Wings’ culture of community involvement.
Kalani Brown’s motivation for organizing this fundraiser is deeply personal. Having witnessed the effects of breast cancer with the passing of her grandmother and community, she felt a profound responsibility to contribute to the fight against the disease.
“Breast cancer is a battle many women face, and it’s important to support research and awareness efforts,” Brown remarked during the event. “I hope this is the beginning of a long-term effort for this particular fundraiser. I’m grateful for the opportunity to use my platform and bring the community together for such an important cause.”
Kalani also spoke to her research with Black women getting checked regularly for prevention. Black women face significant disparities in breast cancer detection and outcomes. Here are some key statistics and factors contributing to the issue:
- Higher Mortality Rates: Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer compared to white women. This disparity is attributed to multiple factors, including later stages of diagnosis and more aggressive cancer subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer, which is more common in Black women โNational Breast Cancer FoundationโBreast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP).
- Undetected Breast Cancer: Black women often face delays in diagnosis. About 66% of breast cancer cases are detected at a localized stage, which is the easiest to treat. However, Black women are less likely to benefit from early detection. This is partly due to lower access to routine mammography screenings and socioeconomic barriers โNational Breast Cancer FoundationโVerywell Health.
- Comorbidities: Black women are more likely to have comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity at the time of breast cancer diagnosis. These conditions can complicate treatment and negatively impact outcomes โVery Well Health.
Several Dallas Wings Foundation supporters showed up in full force to support Brown’s fundraiser. Teammates Teaira McCowan and Arike Ogunbowale bowled (and danced) the night away, emphasizing the Wings’ commitment to unity and collective action. The atmosphere was electric, with laughter, “coaching”, and applause filling the alley as strikes and even gutter balls were celebrated. Yes, there was an actual trophy for “most gutter balls”.
The primary goal of the fundraiser was to raise awareness about breast cancer and support research initiatives. Educational materials were available throughout the venue, providing attendees with valuable information about early detection, prevention, and treatment options. Healthcare professionals were on hand to answer questions and share insights, furthering the event’s educational impact.
Kalani Brown’s breast cancer awareness fundraiser at PINSTACK Bowling Alley was more than just an evening of fun and games; it was a poignant reminder of the power of community and the importance of giving back. Through her dedication and passion, Brown not only brought attention to a critical issue but also inspired others to join the fight against breast cancer. As the Dallas Wings Foundation continue to make strides both on and off the court, initiatives like this fundraiser highlight the team’s unwavering commitment to making a difference in their community.
In the words of Kalani Brown, “Together, we can strike out breast cancer.” And that night at PINSTACK, everyone in the room took a significant step toward that goal.
