Gina Schrantz joins #PinkOut United Center to raise breast cancer awareness

Gina Schrantz, a real estate broker and mother of three from Edison Park, Ill, joined dozens of breast cancer survivors, fighters and family members from across Illinois to help #PinkOut the United Center as part of Advocate Health Care and the Chicago Bulls' efforts to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Oct. 17 game.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Advocate and the Bulls honored those affected by breast cancer, a disease that approximately one in eight women develop during their lifetime.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2015, Gina underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and surgery. During her treatment, she had amazing support from her family, friends, neighbors, her kids' school and hockey team and the whole community. They dropped off food to her house three days a week to make sure her family had fresh meals while she was undergoing her treatment. "When I came home after my first chemo the whole walkway was lined with flowers and balloons," says Gina. "Everyone around me showed their love and support."

Dr. Heidi Memmel, a breast surgeon with Advocate Health Care and breast cancer survivor, presented the game ball.

Advocate physician Dr. Hillary Ecker sang the national anthem. Fans entering the stadium received a pink Advocate breast cancer T-shirt. Bulls ambassadors, broadcasters, coaches and members of Bulls Entertainment incorporated pink into their wardrobes, as did Benny the Bull and the Luvabulls. All Bulls players wore special #CheckYourGirls pink shootaround apparel, and the United Center and Advocate Center incorporated pink lighting elements and signage.

Follow Advocate Health Care on Facebook or @AdvocateHealth on Instagram and Twitter for more photos from the event. To schedule a mammogram, call (800) 3-ADVOCATE or visit www.storiesofthegirls.com.