Babson Park, FL- After a successful Coaches vs. Cancer "Suits and Sneakers" Weekend, the Webber International University Athletic Department is excited to announce that they will be teaming up with Hannah's Buddies, an organization and event centered around raising awareness towards, and support for, the fight against Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). On February 22, the men's and women's basketball teams will be honoring their seniors as they play against the Thomas University Nighthawks in their final regular season home games. All proceeds from the games will go towards Hannah's Buddies and there will be a 50/50 raffle. Also, in an effort to raise awareness about SMA, the game day programs will include an insert with information about the disease.

"We are humbled to be a part of Webber International University's senior night this year," said Duncan Elliott, President of Hannah's Buddies. "The effort to find a treatment and cure for SMA is truly a group endeavor and this awareness and support means a great deal to our initiatives in Florida, and beyond."

Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a neuromuscular disease that affects between 1 in 6,000 and 1 and 20,000 births. Over time, SMA causes muscles to become weak and considerably smaller.
The February 22 "Senior Night" games coincide with the 15^th Annual Hannah's Buddies Charity Classic, which will take place in Orlando, Florida on February 21-22. The event includes a golf tournament, dinner and silent auction, and JB and Friends concert at the House of Blues. Event details can be found on the Hannah's Buddies website at http://www.hannahsbuddies.org.

"I first became aware of SMA while attending the Hannah's Buddies Charity Classic in 2009," said Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach Jeremy Schreiber. "I think it's very important to take this opportunity to recognize this disease that is out there that keeps some individuals from ever having the opportunity to do what our athletes are able to do, and to do our part in the fight against it."
The women will be honoring 6 seniors: Sarah Dileonardo, Samantha Harvey, Alishia Kahan, Cristal Liriano, Yesenia Lora, and Jasmin Singleton. The men will be honoring 4 seniors: Kirk Funnell, Charles Murphy, Deandre Simpson, and David Wynn.

The women's game will begin at 2:00pm. The seniors will be honored between the women's game and the men's game, which is scheduled to begin at 4:30pm.