Tuesday’s WNCC, NJC volleyball match becomes special for assistant coach Amy Winters

Western Nebraska Community College assistant volleyball coach Amy Winters is helping spread the word about breast cancer.

And, as a survivor herself from the illness, she and the rest of the Cougar volleyball team will be making Tuesday, Oct. 9, evening’s volleyball match with No. 17 Northeastern Junior College Breast Cancer Awareness night.

“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we wanted to do something at one of our volleyball matches,” Winters, a 1987 Sidney High School graduate, said. “We will be giving away pink breast cancer bracelets, pink ribbon pins, pink glow sticks, shower hangers with the steps to breast self-examination, bookmarks, breast cancer risk factors screening stickers and information pamphlets.”

Also, breast cancer survivors can call the college at 635-6151 and request tickets for Tuesday contest free of charge.

Winters said not only is it Breast Cancer Awareness night, it is also “Black Out Night,” against one of the Cougars top rivals. Winters is asking everyone to wear black, or paint their faces black, to show support for the No. 1 ranked Cougars, who are 35-1 on the season.

The true meaning of the night, though, is to bring awareness to breast cancer, something that Winters went through herself a couple of years ago.

"This means a lot to me because I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer two years ago and went through chemotherapy and radiation treatments,” she said. “I think it is important for women to be aware of breast cancer because it is so common. I don't think a lot of women realize how important it is for them to do monthly breast exams. Breast cancer affects women (and men) of all ages. I found the lump myself and ended up going to the doctor. Twenty years ago my mom found a lump as well and went to the doctor right away. She was very lucky that she was doing self exams because she had inflammatory breast cancer and probably wouldn't have survived if she wouldn't have found it.”

While Winters was undergoing radiation and chemotherapy, she was still actively involved with the Cougar volleyball program as an assistant coach. She was also still taking classes through Chadron State College at the same time.

“I just want to help spread the word. It was one of the hardest things I've ever gone through but it was also a very positive, life-changing experience for me,” Winters said. “I have made so many friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Winters said many of the individuals that helped her deal with her surgery and recovery are expected to be in attendance Tuesday night. Winters said she can’t say enough about everyone at the Cancer Treatment Center in Scottsbluff.

“The doctors and chemo nurses are amazing. I dreaded going to my treatments but then I would see Becci [Nuland] or Joe [Salazar] or Jane [DeBrie] with their smiling faces and it made it so much better,” she said. “ Dr. [William] Packard was always so supportive as well.

As for the evening festivities, Winters said many people have worked to make this evening informative for everyone. And, the Cougars will hopefully make the evening an eventful one themselves.

“Becci played a big part in getting everything donated. She will be here at Cougar Palace helping on Tuesday night,” she said. “My friends Pam [Kilpatric] and Kelsey [Kriewald], who are also breast cancer survivors, will also be helping out. Dr. Packard is planning on attending the volleyball match and I am hoping the Dr. [Vincent] Bjorling will be able to make it as well.”