October is the month of Breast Cancer Awareness, which was first established in October of 1985. The American Cancer Society partnered with Imperial Chemical Industries to form the first organized effort to bring widespread attention to breast cancer. They trademarked a pink ribbon to represent the association.
Nanuet High school gets involved with spreading this awareness in various ways. Sports teams and clubs such as Women’s Issues Now, led by Mrs. Kearns, make a huge impact. Throughout October, Students are clad in many hues of pink to show their support of the cause!
Student athletes are thoughtfully educated on the causes and effects of breast cancer so they know what they are fighting against. Breast cancer is a disease that causes abnormal growth and production of cells in breasts that get out of control and eventually can form tumors. About 1 in 8 women are affected by breast cancer in the US. That is approximately 13% of women, who’s lifestyles, families, and friends will all be affected by this disease. The biggest problem is it sneaks up on its victims who aren’t aware. In spreading awareness, together we can all stop this illness before it hurts more people.
Nanuet schools make sure their student-athletes are also spreading Breast Cancer Awareness. Fall sports have a special event called their “pink games” where sports may have bake sales and decorate their sporting environment. For example, the Girls’ Volleyball Team decorates the main gym in pink streamers and balloons, hosting a bake sale and purchasing all new pink jerseys.
Eleventh grader, Ava Miller, is a star on Nanuet Varsity Field Hockey. According to Miller, she remembers the Pink game as a time where “everyone played well” and had a good time.
Many Nanuet athletes go beyond just the school campus in order to attend different Breast Cancer Awareness events at places such as Rockland Lake and Woodbury Commons. Freshman Peyton Zarzour attended the Making Strides of Hudson valley event at the Woodbury Commons. According to Zarzour, there were 100s of people there and “it was really cool to see everyone that comes out to support a huge cause.”
While having fun, students effectively spread awareness about this disease that affects so many, he said.
“These are events Nanuet’s athletes will forever appreciate and never forget,” said Zarzour.
Whether on or off the court, track, or field, Nanuet ensures their student-athletes care about much more than just a sport. They are young citizens fighting for something greater than themselves. Breast Cancer will be taken down one fight at a time and Nanuet encourages its students to be part of this battle in many ways.