Teresa Weatherspoon and Lisa Leslie wear their pink t-shirts before the game started. (Dave Saffran/Madison Square Garden)

The Liberty along with the WNBA and all the teams, joined in a season long education campaign about the disease that effects approximately 203,500 women and 1,500 men with cancer annually. Throughout the season, the New York Liberty distributed educational pamphlets, flyers, plush pink & white Breast Health Awareness basketballs, magnets and many more items to fans.

Sharpshooter Becky Hammon, team Breast Health Awareness spokeswoman, led the way for New York as she participated in the WNBA's Radio Tour, appearing on several area radio programs discussing the disease as well as giving suggestions on self-examinations and prevention.

As a part of the WNBA's initative, the Liberty hosted its Breast Health Awareness night on July 18th against the Los Angeles Sparks. Each player from both teams wore a pink t-shirt. The Liberty players autographed their shirts and were auctioned off that night. The items from the auction including the t-shirts resulted in over a $1,300 donation, given to N.A.B.C.O for future research and education.

The Liberty's pink T-shirts were auctioned off after the game, with proceeds benefitting NABCO. (Dave Saffran/Madison Square Garden)

Additionally each fan on that special night received a pink ribbon courtesy of Sears that each fan wore in remembrance.

Also on Breast Health Awareness Night, Sears donated 50 cents for each Liberty fan in attendance during a halftime check presentation ceremony. Thanks to our fans, this year Sears donated $7,809.50 in salute to N.A.B.C.O's efforts.

In recognition of Breast Cancer surviors, a special pre-game ball ceremony took place in which each Liberty player exchanged a Sears Breast Health Awareness Pink & White WNBA ball to Breast Cancer survivors from the NewYork Metropolitan area.

The 2002 season was a fun-filled and educational one that helped the New York Liberty and WNBA pass on vital information to women of all ages!