NEW YORK – Connecticut Sun guard Jasmine Thomas has received the August WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm for her efforts with the WNBA’s Breast Health Awareness (BHA) initiative.

Thomas is a passionate supporter of the WNBA’s BHA program and helped lead the charge for the Sun’s Rock the Pink Weekend in August. When Thomas was at Duke, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and Thomas began dedicating her time to the fight against cancer in honor of her mom and other survivors.

In anticipation of Rock the Pink weekend, Thomas visited Yale New Haven Health’s Smilow Cancer Hospital to visit with two inspirational survivors who then attended the Rock the Pink game. On Aug. 18, Thomas hosted a post-game dinner for more than 80 guests to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. The event included guest speakers, meet and greets with Sun players and staff, a raffle and silent auction, which raised nearly $6,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.  Thomas also created a #3pointchallenge that she named the #POWEROFONE. For her #POWEROFONE challenge, she has pledged to personally donate $5 for every three-point shot she has made throughout the season. In addition, the Sun pledged to match Thomas’ total donation amount at the end of the season.

“I am extremely passionate about Breast Health Awareness because of my connection to it,” said Thomas.  “Aligning myself with the Kay Yow Fund and what they stand for with their mission to raise money for cancer research and serve the underserved is so important to me.  I have committed myself to being someone who can bring the Kay Yow Fund to the WNBA and make the connection. Cancer affects our entire community.”

The WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm is awarded monthly during the season to the player who best reflects the WNBA’s passion to make a difference in the community. In recognition of Thomas’ efforts, the WNBA and State Farm will donate $5,000 to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

Please visit wnba.com/statefarmcommunityassist for more information on the award and its recipients.