Once again this year, the Iowa Central cross country team is doing their part to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Started as a fundraiser almost two decades ago by Dee Brown, the Tritons have donated $32,000 to support the cause.

Pink breast cancer shirts priced at $20 each are being sold by members of the team, with 100 percent of the profits going directly to the Unity Point Cancer Center to benefit patients. They are available in sizes small-3XL in youth and adult, with a goal of being delivered by October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Last year alone, the program donated $3,000 to the cause.

“This fundraiser is important because of the lessons it can teach our student athletes,” Brown said. “We want to show our athletes the power of giving back to one’s community, the significance of being a part of something much larger than themselves and finally how one individual or group can directly impact the lives of others for the better.

“Our coaching staff is always trying to find ways to expose our athletes to new experiences that they can learn from and use the rest of their lives.”

For more information, contact a member of the cross country team or Brown directly at brown_dee@iowacentral.edu. Orders are due by Sept. 19.