Fairfield University student-athletes shown their strength in different ways. Most of that strength is exhibited in the weight room working on strength and conditioning to enhance performance. And, teams show their strength in sheer numbers by supporting each other on and off the field, court, or water.
                On a fall afternoon in late September, student-athletes came together to show their support at the annual "Stroll for Strength", an annual event that kicks off breast cancer awareness in the town of Fairfield. The men's and women's cross country teams along with the Fairfield University cheer and dance teams joined Lucas the Stag at the Stroll for Strength.

               "We went to show our support and contribute to the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month," said Katherine Kern, captain of the women's lacrosse team. "Many women on the team have someone that they know that is directly affected by this illness, so I think it hit home for many of us."

               Through the support of the local business community as well as town residents, walkers are encouraged to participate in the event and then have dinner locally with a portion of the dining proceeds going to the Norma Pfriem Breast Center that helps promote breast cancer awareness. It's one of many events that the organization sponsors and one of many in which the Fairfield University student-athletes participate."

               "Overall, it was nice to see the community coming together and creating an exciting environment," Kern said. "People who have been diagnosed, or have survived their diagnosis, were able to see that the whole community is there to support them and raise money for the cause. This unwavering support team is necessary for fighting the fight and finding a cure.
 
                The Stags have been a loyal partner with the Norma Pfriem Breast Center for several years, a partnership which culminated with Fairfield athletics' annual Herd for a Cure which includes nearly every team in the fundraising and awareness efforts for the organization.

                "We all have a natural drive to be men and women for, and with, others," Kern said. "As student-athletes, it is easy to get wrapped up in our own world, but I think our team does a great job at extending a helping hand when they can."
 
               As a part of the Herd for a Cure initiative, each team designates a home contest at which they sell t-shirts, collect donations and encourage all fans to wear pink to promote breast cancer awareness. All proceeds will benefit the Norma Pfriem Breast Center. And, the campaign goes beyond the student-athlete population as many student organizations participate in the campaign. For example, Fairfield University students participated in Bingo for Breast Cancer on Thursday, Oct. 25 as part of the event.
 
           The fight against breast cancer is something around which the entire Fairfield University community can rally. With such support from so many teams and organizations, there can be no doubt that there is strength in numbers.