TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The two-time defending NCAA Champion Alabama gymnastics team visited the Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer Center at the DCH Regional Medical Center Tuesday afternoon. During the visit, the gymnasts interacted with patients receiving cancer treatment as well as the staff. They also toured the state-of-the-art facility.

“It really was an amazing experience to be able to go to the Cancer Center this afternoon and meet these brave men and women and learn about their battle against cancer,” senior All-American Ashley Sledge said. “It was great to be able to talk with and get to know some of them, and hopefully we made the time during their treatment go a little faster. It also really drove home what Sarah (Patterson) and everyone involved in the Power of Pink is working for. It makes me look forward to Friday even more.”

On Friday, the gymnastics program will host its ninth annual Power of Pink meet as part of head coach Sarah Patterson’s on going initiative to help raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Prior to the meet, a check for $104,400 will be presented to the DCH Breast Cancer Fund, bringing the overall total to $1.35 million since the Power of Pink’s inception in 2005.

When No. 5 Crimson Tide faces off against No. 15 Kentucky on Friday, it will mark the second time in three years that the Wildcats have taken part in an Alabama-hosted Power of Pink meet. Tickets to Friday’s meet are available through the Alabama Ticket Office (205.348.2262) located in the lobby of Coleman Coliseum, or online at RollTide.com.