Meyer wants fans to wear white

GAINESVILLE – Florida coach Urban Meyer is encouraging Gator fans to wear white as "Gators White Out Cancer" at Saturday's season-opening game against Hawaii.

In recognition of the University of Florida and Shands HealthCare commitment to cancer research focused on treatment, prevention, control and education, fans are encouraged to wear white shirts and hats to the game.

"We want Gator fans to enjoy the excitement of outdoor activities like football games, but we also want them to be safe from the dangers that come with overexposure to the sun," said Jill Varnes, professor in the College of Health and Human Performance, who helped design the Gator SHADE program.

Fans are encouraged to come by the Alltel Wireless Gator FanFest celebration on the Stephen C. O'Connell Center lawn prior to the 12:30 p.m. kickoff to learn more about protecting themselves and their families from skin and other forms of cancer. The first 10,000 fans will receive a free specially designed Gator SHADE white hat and have the opportunity to meet members of the most successful softball team in UF history. Free sunscreen also will be available on site.

The Colleges of Health and Human Performance and Nursing have teamed up again with the University Athletic Association and Shands Hospital to raise awareness about cancer and the need for continued efforts toward research. According to data from the National Cancer Institute, one person dies every minute from some form of cancer in the U.S. But, the 10 million cancer survivors in the U.S. today prove researchers are making progress.