Happy October Badger Fans!
 
"Be kind to everyone you meet, for everyone is fighting their own battle." -Anonymous
 
When one thinks of the October season, an array of fall activities most likely comes to mind: pumpkin spice lattes, the rich colors of leaves as they change, haunted houses, crazy costumes, apple orchards and pumpkin patches.
 
However, October not only brings about those fall festivities for our team, but another special meaning: Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
 
As the Badgers head to New York after a weekend sweep against Mercyhurst, aided with a highlight hat trick from freshman Brette Pettet, Cardinal and White will not be the only colors you see on the ice in the Empire State. Shiny, rose-gold sticks will decorate the arena to honor loved ones affected by the unfortunately common, and terrible disease.
 
This month is not simply about debuting new gear in a general sense of awareness, however. There is a reason behind each and every one of those sticks.
 
I asked senior assistant captain Lauren Williams on what the pink stick season means to her.
 
"Breast Cancer Awareness Month is something that I hold close to my heart," she reflects.
 
Williams' mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during her junior year of high school. After a tough battle with the disease, her mother defeated cancer in June of 2013, and has been cancer-free since. This month gives Williams a chance to remind her mom just how much she loves her.
 
"Being able to use a pink stick with my mom's name and cancer-free date is not just a way of bringing about awareness for breast cancer, but also a way for me to show my mom that what she went through and emerged from was extraordinary. The pink sticks are a nod to all of the moms, daughters, sisters, aunts, and grandmas affected—especially the ones we hold close."
 
Lauren's story parallels that of many on the team. Whether it is a current battle with cancer, or a triumph over its grasp, we share our strength with the women affected.
 
And some of us honor angels.
 
When I was younger I detested the color pink. Associated with all things "girly," I avoided it because quite frankly, I wanted to be like one of the boys. I never could have predicted that color would become such a prominent part of my life.
 
There comes a point in your childhood when innocence is lost. A time when you are faced with a challenge that seems unbearable. Sometimes you are forced to witness moments you cannot erase, and discover a newfound preciousness of life you never understood before. Suddenly the passion for your sport becomes your outlet, and the arena your sanctuary.
 
My stick bears the name, "Mommy." My person of honor is no longer with us in the physical world, but her presence is among me. Losing a mom at the age of 8 is not anything I would wish upon a person, but the perspective on the value of those I love in my life is something for which I am thankful. It has made the fighter I am today because of the inspiration she showed each day during her war with breast cancer.
 
I used to wear her pink bandana during my hockey games growing up. Now I'm grateful to CCM for giving me a way to remember her these last four years via the pink sticks.
 
Sometimes the worst occurrences turn out to be blessings in disguise. Over the course of my time as a Badger, I realize this message is stronger than ever among each of us.
 
When you look at our team, it's easy to see faces and points and talent. From the outside, you might see how many goals Claudia Kepler scores, the dangles Abby Roque showcases, or how many blocked shots Maddie Rolfes has. Dig deeper, and only then do you realize that this team is not just a ranking or a scoreboard. You see the initials we play with on our helmets—all of us—to remember the brothers of our teammates who left us too soon. You see a plethora of pink sticks with names on the shafts of mothers, aunts and grandmas who give us strength in times of trial. We are a team of stories that weave together to create the ultimate storybook. You see the tears, the hands that wipe them away, and the true core of what makes this team an unbreakable family. When someone hurts, we all hurt. When we rise, we rise together.
 
Come rise with us this weekend as we take on Syracuse Friday at 3 p.m CT and Saturday at 2 p.m. CT.  We hope to see you there! Fans that can't make the trip to New York can follow our game on Twitter.

Thanks for being the best fans with us along this journey.
 
On Wisconsin!
 
-Baylee