Over 200,000 women and 1,500 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

These staggering numbers have given rise to many organizations looking to find a way to help fight the leading cause of death among women ages 40-59.

October is designated as Nation Breast Cancer Awareness Month and, in hopes of increasing awareness and raising funds, the UD volleyball team is doing its part to help stop the disease that is currently diagnosed in over two million women in the United States.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, the Flyers took part in 'Dig for the Cure.' Now in its third year, the 'Dig for the Cure' program has raised over $22,000 dollars for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Atlantic 10 newcomer Charlotte was the first school to participate in the program. The coach of the 49ers, Lisa Marston, is the program creator.

Marston's mother is a breast cancer survivor. She created the 'Dig for the Cure' program in order to honor and support those affected by breast cancer throughout the world.

Charlotte played in Conference USA the last two seasons. Marston was able to recruit all 14 member schools to take part in 'Dig for the Cure.' Each year, Charlotte raised $3,000 with the other C-USA schools also funding generous donations.

Now with Charlotte as a member of the Atlantic 10, six A-10 schools have already committed to the event including UD. Eight other universities outside of the A-10 and C-USA have also agreed to establish similar fundraisers for the Komen Foundation.

'The team is thrilled,' UD volleyball coach Tim Horsmon said about the Flyers participation. 'It is an opportunity for them to give back to the community.'

Money is raised through donations by fans. Supporters are encouraged to either pledge through individual digs by the team in the designated game or through a flat donation to the school. The money pledged will go to the local affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, with Dayton donating all its funds to the Greater Cincinnati chapter.

The Flyers did their best to earn as much money as possible for the 'Dig for the Cure' match and also beat the Saint Louis Billikens. After losing the first two games, Dayton came back to win the last three of the match, 30-26, 30-25 and 15-9. Sophomore Adrienne Green contributed 12 digs in the game and freshmen Julie Richards and Brittney Scheeringa each finished with 11 and 10 digs, respectively. In total, the Flyers completed the victory over Saint Louis with 58 digs.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has now raised over $740 million for breast cancer research. Since its establishment in 1982, over 75,000 volunteers involved in the organization have worked through numerous events like 'Dig for the Cure' to find a way to stop breast cancer.

From every dollar raised for the foundation, 82 cents are focused on non-administrative programs in order to keep the fight against breast cancer going. The foundation was recently named one of 'America's Best 100 Charities' as it continues to provide hope to all those effected by breast cancer.

Other 'Dig for the Cure' matches are scheduled for Oct. 23 at Duquesne and Nov. 3 in Charlotte at the Charlotte vs. George Washington game. Donations can be made by contacting the coaches of the home schools.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about breast cancer or The Susan G. Komen Foundation can call the foundation at 1-800-IM-AWARE (1-800- 462-9273). Those who were also unable to make a donation before the UD 'Dig for the Cure' match can visit the Greater Cincinnati website at http://www.komencincinnati.org.