The Ellsworth Community College women's basketball team won't just battle on the basketball court next Wednesday night when they play host to William Penn … the team will battle heart disease and strokes by turning the stands into a sea of white with a WHITE OUT.

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, the ECC women's basketball team will fight the nation's leading cause of death by raising awareness and funds for the American Heart Association. Everyone is encouraged to participate by purchasing and wearing a "It's Your Life" t-shirt, which is available for a $10 donation from ECC Head Women's Basketball Coach Ed Geitz by calling 641-648-8689 or emailing Edward.Geitz@iavalley.edu throughout the week leading up to the game and at the game.

One hundred percent of funds raised by the WHITE OUT support the American Heart Association's mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in Hardin County and Iowa. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Iowa, responsible for 34.6% of deaths in Hardin County and 31.6% in Iowa. Nationwide, heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, responsible for one in three deaths.

"Last year we raised $500 for this great cause," commented Coach Geitz. "This year we want to do even better."

The American Heart Association provides community education programs and funds heart research, including more than $7.5 million at universities in Iowa over the past five years.