ANTIGONISH, NS ¬ The StFX Department of Athletics recently displayed its support for an inspirational student-athlete through its purchase of B-Strong caps in aid of cancer research through a fundraiser initiated by X-Women rugby and volleyball athlete Lindsay Bolger.

Lindsay, a native of Unionville, ON, was diagnosed with a rare type of brain tumor last April after experiencing excruciating headaches while preparing for upcoming final exams. She underwent successful surgery within days to remove it, though still had to undergo radiation treatments for six weeks throughout the summer. Says Lindsay, "There are times in life when one is faced with unpredictable challenges. In my case it was a brain tumor. Challenges like these test one's strength and courage. But most of all they test how one accepts and deals with these. The only way to deal with those is in a positive way. This experience has totally made me realize that with the right attitude and support you can truly find a positive view for anything." Lindsay experienced a set-back late in the summer when a cyst reappeared in an MRI, however she is taking medication and the effects of her radiation treatment are still taking effect. She has returned to StFX to resume her studies in her final year of the Human Kinetics program. She is still involved with the women's rugby team as a manager and hopes to make it back to the playing roster in the very near future.

While undergoing radiation treatment this past summer, Lindsay and a friend had an idea for a fundraiser and together designed the B-Strong cap. The caps are beige and feature a light blue 'B' on the front with a B-Strong message on the back. Caps are being sold for $15 a piece and all funds raised support the Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Tumor Centre located at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, ON. To date, Lindsay and her friends and family have sold over 1500 caps, including 280 recently purchased by the StFX Department of Athletics. In an effort to show support to Lindsay and to unite all varsity athletes at StFX, the Department distributed the caps to all their athletes, coaches and staff at their inaugural 'Go X Go' Gathering held Sept. 25, 2005. All the athletes joined together in wearing their B-Strong caps at the welcome and orientation gathering, and will continue to wear them throughout the season in support of Lindsay and cancer research.

Lindsay's family continues to receive orders for the B-Strong caps and they welcome individual, group or corporate orders. For more information on how to purchase the caps, please contact John or Jo-Ann Bolger at thebcap@rogers.com or at 905-470-8219. Purchasing information is also available at www.goxgo.ca, the official site of StFX Athletics.

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Source:
Krista McKenna
Sports Inf