MBU Women's Basketball Raises over $1,000 to B.A. Cure

In addition to picking up a big win over arch rival McKendree on Saturday, the Lady Spartan basketball team made a big impact in the world of pediatric liver disease. The squad hosted a B.A. Cure game, raising over $1,000 for B.A. Cure, the new non-profit started by Coach Danny Wingate and his wife Tiah in 2010.

McKendree University showed their support of the cause, as they joined the Lady Spartans in wearing B.A. Player, B.A. Cure t-shirts for warm-ups. Even the game officials joined the cause, wearing B.A. Cure shirts as well.

The MBU cheer squad donned sapphire and yellow ribbons, and joined the women's basketball team in a pledge drive during the week prior. A total of just over $1,000 was raised through donations and t-shirt sales. In addition, the MBU Athletic Department will be donating a portion of the gate proceeds to B.A. Cure.

B.A. Cure works to raise awareness of Biliary Atresia, a chronic, progressive liver disease of infancy, and to raise funds for support of the families affected by B.A. The Wingates' daughter Noelle was diagnosed with B.A. in August at 3 months of age, and underwent a subsequent liver transplant. Along with Noelle, the Lady Spartans honored two otherlocal B.A. babies and their care providers; theSt. Louis Children's Hospital Liver Care & Transplant Team,during half-time.

As 75% of all those with B.A. will eventually need a liver transplant, Donate Life was also present at the event, hosting games and giving away promotional items to raise awareness of the need for organ donors.

For more information on how you can be involved with B.A. Cure, visit http://www.baplayerbacure.org/.

To find out how you can register to be an Organ Donor, visit http://www.donatelife.org/.