KALAMAZOO, Mich.- During its men's basketball game against Akron on Tuesday, Jan. 24, Western Michigan will be taking part in Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Week. This nationwide event unites coaches across the country to raise awareness about the American Cancer Society's lifesaving mission, and promote the American Cancer Society as a place for help and support.

Members of the Bronco coaching staff will wear sneakers with their game attire as a visible reminder about the importance of nutrition and physical activity in reducing cancer risk. Additionally, the WMU coaches will lace up with special gold laces, symbolic of the efforts to eliminate pediatric cancer, honoring Lacey Holsworth, an 8-year-old Michigan State University basketball fan who passed away from cancer in 2014.

Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers
During Coaches vs. Cancer® Suits and Sneakers awareness week, Jan. 23-29, basketball coaches nationwide will wear sneakers with their suits to demonstrate their support for the American Cancer Society and its vision of a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Basketball fans are encouraged to also wear sneakers to games that weekend to show their support.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaborative initiative of the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers coaches, their teams and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

By lacing up sneakers with their suits on the event's annual awareness weekend, college and high school basketball coaches across the country will spotlight the fact that while cancer remains a major health concern, everyone can take daily steps to reduce their risk of the disease. For those who do not smoke, weight control, exercise and a healthy diet are the best ways to improve health and reduce cancer risk. In the U.S., overweight and obesity contribute to 14-to-20 percent of all cancer-related deaths.

Princess Lacey's Laces
As Michigan State University's number one fan during the 2013-2014 basketball season, 8-year-old cancer patient Lacey Holsworth and her special relationship with star player Adreian Payne dominated the media for a significant portion of that fall and winter. Although she passed away shortly thereafter, Lacey gave hope and inspiration to millions of others affected by pediatric cancer.  

Accordingly, Tuesday is designated as the annual Suits and Sneakers game. During the month of February, fans have the opportunity to wear a specially designed pair of sneaker laces from Shoe Carnival, available online at shoecarnival.com/lacey, or in stores, in memory of Lacey. Funds raised will support the American Cancer Society and Princess Lacey's Legacy, to continue saving lives and supporting those affected by pediatric cancer.