LANCASTER, Pa. – During the month of October, the seven Atlantic East field hockey programs will participate in a 100 mile challenge set forth by Wesley College.
 
Each individual on the field hockey team will attempt to complete 100 miles, whether walking or running, in the 31 days of the month to raise awareness and support for breast cancer education.
 
Alexis Howerin, a senior on the field hockey team at Wesley College was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in early 2020 after finding a lump from self-examination. From January to April, Lex went through numerous doctors’ visits, mammograms and consultations, which led to a double mastectomy. At this time, Lex has undergone over five months of chemotherapy with more to come.
 
Throughout October, Wesley College athletics will be posting about Lex’s story in a five-part series called “The Unthinkable – Alexis Howerin’s Road to Recovery.” Part one of Lex’s story can be viewed at https://spark.adobe.com/page/WzvlfA0tFKWkr/ or on the Wesley Athletics website.
 
As part of the challenge, the Atlantic East encourages anyone participating or anyone who has a friend or family member participating to donate to any organization of their choice that supports breast cancer research.
 
While October is breast cancer awareness month and the Conference encourages donations to raise awareness for the cause, the purpose of the 100 mile challenge is ultimately to raise awareness to the importance of self-examination, as it was an important step in Lex saving her own life. Even for young, healthy athletes such as Lex, breast cancer can affect women at any age. 
 
The Atlantic East would like to extend the 100 mile challenge to other field hockey programs and conferences in order to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and education. The hope is that by involving more programs, Lex’s story will be spread and together we may help educate the women of our universities.