Illinois vs Iowa

Illinois's Erin Buchanan Reflects on Pink Meets and Winning State

Illinois's Erin Buchanan Reflects on Pink Meets and Winning State

Illinois's Erin Buchanan Reflects on Pink Meets and Winning State

Jan 29, 2014 by Amanda Wijangco
Illinois's Erin Buchanan Reflects on Pink Meets and Winning State

Illini gymnasts Erin Buchanan & Heather Foley

This Friday, the #17 ranked Illinois Fighting Illini look to face the Iowa Hawkeyes at Huff Hall in Champaign, Ill. for their annual Pink Meet to raise breast cancer awareness. Because this is a Pink Meet, it hits home for Illinois freshman Erin Buchanan.

Buchanan's mother is a breast cancer survivor. Her mother is her best friend and the person whom she is most proud of. 

"My mom is my hero. These meets mean a lot to me. It's for a great cause and awesome that we are able to do it and support breast cancer survivors," Buchanan said.

At the meet, the Illini gymnasts are set to march into Huff Hall with children of breast cancer survivors and fighters. As a child of a breast cancer survivor, Buchanan can offer them some advice. 

"Just know we're there to support them. We're doing this for them. Be excited," she said with a smile across her face.

This is something not only Buchanan will appreciate, but the entire team as well.

"We love kids in general, and it's awesome that we can do this," the former Big Ten Freshman of the Week added.

As the Pink Meet nears, it brings back a memory that Buchanan would love to relive. In 2012, the Virginia native won the all-around title at State while her mother was in the hospital.

"I woke up and actually didn't know she was in the hospital," Buchanan said. "She was rushed on ambulances, and I had no idea. It was devastating, but I knew I wanted to do it for her. It still gives me the chills talking about it. It was awesome, just getting to call her and tell her that I won, and she cried for days. She was so excited. It's something I'll never forget."

Follow more coverage of Friday's Iowa at Illinois Pink right here on Gymnastike. 

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