Carbondale Reporter

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Saluki Athletics and the Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) Foundation are collaborating for the 14th annual Salukis Blackout Cancer football game on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. against Illinois State.

Since its inception in 2011, the Salukis Blackout Cancer game has aimed to raise awareness and support for cancer patients in Southern Illinois. The SIH Foundation allocates all proceeds from the event to a fund assisting cancer patients across the southern 16 counties with expenses such as prescriptions, nutritional needs, transportation, fuel costs, and treatment-related medical bills.

"SIH and the SIH Foundation are deeply honored to collaborate with SIU for the annual Salukis Blackout Cancer football game, a powerful testament to our community's unwavering commitment to supporting our fellow neighbors," said SIH Chief Development Officer Woody Thorne. "Each year, this event has raised more money than the previous -- demonstrating how Saluki fans, students, alumni, patients and families continue to show up in force. Through the Coach Kill Cancer Fund, SIH has proudly served over 2,600 individuals to date, providing vital resources not only to our patients but also to any resident within the lower 16 counties actively seeking cancer care and demonstrating financial need. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most."

On October 5, the Saluki Football team will wear special black Under Armour® jerseys during their game against Illinois State. Fans can place the name of a loved one affected by cancer on a jersey by bidding through an online auction until 8 PM CST on Monday, September 9. The top 106 bidders will meet their player after the game and receive a memento of their namesake jersey. Bidders and families will also be recognized on the field at halftime.

"Our players always look forward to this game and the opportunity to proudly wear and honor the name selected for their jersey," said SIU head coach Nick Hill. "It's ingrained in our culture to care for each other and to give back to the community that so strongly supports us, and we can't wait to see Saluki fans at the game on October 5th."

Saluki Athletics and SIH have partnered on cancer-related initiatives since 2008. In 2016, they expanded the Salukis Blackout Cancer initiative to include men's and women's basketball games each year. Their partnership is managed by Saluki Sports Properties of Learfield – a media and technology company powering college athletics – which holds exclusive multimedia rights for Saluki Athletics.

For more information about the initiative or how to contribute, visit www.salukisblackoutcancer.net/football.