SC State shares heartfelt moment with breast cancer survivors during Pink Out Day

News Media Contact: Allie Harris-Beeks/Communications Specialist/aharrisb@scsu.edu/803-747-4098

Oct. 16, 2023

For Immediate Release

Vice President Sonja Bennett-Bellamy (left), Marriet Hickson (center), Diana Cunningham (right).

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Pink Out Day was an emotional yet heartfelt day for all breast cancer survivors at the Oliver C. Dawson stadium as their family members and South Carolina State University supporters came out to honor them.

During the game, several breast cancer survivors including SC State’s vice president for communications, marketing and strategic alliances. Sonja Bennett-Bellamy, were honored for their perseverance and strength.

Tears flowed from Bennett-Bellamy’s eyes as she was recognized and celebrated at the center of the stadium. She, along with two other survivors, Marriet Hickson and Diana Cunningham, received pink flowers as the Marching 101 Band played to honor their survival.

“It is important for our athletics department to honor and recognize such strong women because we as women are sometimes underrecognized,” said Kemberly Greene, acting deputy athletics director and senior woman administrator. “With working in athletics, we’re so competitive by nature. So, when you get the opportunity to celebrate women who are competitive and have resilience and strength, it’s an honor to do it.”

To celebrate Pink Out Day, SC State Bulldogs wore pink to the game.

This day was established in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and featured different events throughout the game to recognize the survivors. A Pink Out Day tailgate was held inside the stadium. Free gifts including pink towels, wristbands and pins were also passed out during the game.

Bulldogs wear pink to celebrate Pink Out Day.

“Breast cancer has hit us in different areas – we’ve had coaches who have been affected, we’ve had family members who have been affected,” Greene said. “My mother was a breast cancer survivor, as well, so it’s personally important to me that we recognize and celebrate these women. I’m very happy to be a part of this day,” Greene said.

To kick off Pink Out Day, Bennett-Bellamy had the honor of doing the coin toss to determine which team would get possession of the ball first. Also, during the first half, a video of Bennett-Bellamy talking about her breast cancer journey was featured on the scoreboard. .

Bennett-Bellamy prepares for coin toss.

Bennett-Bellamy was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 and underwent surgery the following July.

“When I was first diagnosed, there was no pain, there was no lump, there was no indication that anything was wrong. It was picked up in a routine mammogram,” Bennett-Bellamy said. “I don’t even think I cried. I was so stunned that this was an outcome because I didn’t expect this. I never expected this.”

Through a double mastectomy, the cancer was successfully removed. As soon as she was cleared to go back to work, Bennett-Bellamy hit the ground running by immersing herself in her daily tasks as vice president.

She is now encouraging others who are going through similar situations to never give up and keep faith in God.

“It’s a process, and there are times when you can get down. There were times when I got a little sad, but I never said, ‘why me’ – I just told myself that I was going to move forward and get past this,” Bennett-Bellamy said. “And those were the voices I was not only hearing from God, but from the people around me who were speaking life into me.

“I’m still going through the process. I, fortunately, did not have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation. But I am doing endocrinology hormone therapy. That has its share of side effects and challenges, but the alternative is cancer, and I’m not going back there,” she said.

Because of the support system around her -- her family, friends and coworkers --Bennett-Bellamy had a smooth healing process and transition back to work. She wants fellow women who may be going through this to know that if she can do it, so can they.

“It’s important to go to your annual checkups and to have your annual mammograms. If we want to live long, quality lives, we have to start taking responsibility,” she said. “Life is to be lived to the fullest, and you want to do everything you possibly can to make sure you’re healthy and here for a long time.”

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About South Carolina State University

Founded in 1896 as a land grant institution with a mission of providing service to the citizens of the state, South Carolina State University has evolved from a small teachers’ college into a major University center of learning and research. Located in Orangeburg, S.C., South Carolina State offers more than 50 different fields of study on the undergraduate and graduate levels. South Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools.