March 14, 2008

Evanston, Ill. -- More than 1,300 spectators poured into the stands on February 18, 2008 wearing pink to support Northwestern Women's Basketball in their effort to raise funds and awareness for the Kellogg Cancer Care Centers of Evanston Northwestern Healthcare. The event was held to celebrate the national "Think Pink" initiative of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).

Attendance for the game against University of Wisconsin was double the attendance of an average weeknight game. Nearly $10,000 was raised through a combination of ticket sales and donations, and Coach Combs' personal contribution of $1 for each ticket sold.

"We are pleased at the generosity and enthusiasm displayed at the event from Coach Combs and her team to everyone in the stands," said Christine VanDeWege, Director, Kellogg Cancer Care Centers. "Funds raised will help enhance patient care at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare."

Evanston Northwestern Healthcare's Kellogg Cancer Care Centers 26 years ago became the first cancer center built by a community hospital anywhere in the nation. With an affiliation with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, ENH offers patients access to a multi-specialty team of international experts that convenes on behalf of each patient to design and support their treatment plan. ENH cancer specialists also conduct research and provide treatment options that are influencing cancer care throughout the country.

Highlights of the evening included a special half-time presentation to honor ENH surgeon David P. Winchester, MD, the immediate past chairman of the department of surgery. He was joined by two of his patients who have each survived breast cancer for more than 20 years.

"It has been a tremendous privilege to serve the patients and families of the Kellogg Cancer Care Centers for so many years," said David P. Winchester, MD, immediate past Chairman, Department of Surgery, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare. "Although we've made significant progress in fighting this disease, there is still much work to be done and I will continue to work on behalf of the patients and their families."

The WBCA's "Think Pink" initiative is a global, unified effort for the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's (WBCA) nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. The event began in 2007 as an initiative to raise breast cancer awareness in women's basketball, on campuses and in communities. In 2007, more than 120 schools unified for this effort and helped make the inaugural year of the WBCA's "Think Pink" a success. The event, scheduled during the first two weeks of February each year, is expected to have over 600 schools from all divisions participating this year.

About Evanston Northwestern Healthcare

Located in Chicago's northern suburbs, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare (ENH) is an integrated healthcare system that includes Evanston, Glenbrook and Highland Park Hospitals, ENH Medical Group (comprising 65 medical offices and facilities), ENH Home Services, ENH Research Institute and ENH Foundation.

Through its affiliation with Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, ENH supports extensive medical education and research. ENH is in the top nine percent of all institutions that receive funding from the National Institutes of Health; among multi-specialty independent research hospitals, it ranks 9th in the nation.

ENH is also ranked among the top 50 hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

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