FHS Students and Staff Help Spread Breast Cancer Awareness during October
SCA members, Priyanka Patel, Rashmi Admala, Gurnasib Rataul and Ryan Delvecchio showing off their pink on Pink Out Day.
November 1, 2022
It’s Pink month! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness and to support those affected by breast cancer. Throughout the month, FHS hosted activities and events to spread the message and to help the cause.
“Breast Cancer Awareness is important because it’s a reminder for people to do their monthly breast exam and annual mammogram,” said Janice Decker, an FHS teacher. “If just one person remembers to do their exam or make their appointment, it’s worth it. Early detection is key.”
Decker is currently fighting a breast cancer diagnosis herself and is the organizer of FHS’s Breast Cancer Awareness events throughout the month.
On Monday, Oct. 3, there was a “DIG Pink” varsity volleyball game. Players and those attending the event wore the color pink to show their support for breast cancer awareness. At the event, attendees affected by breast cancer were recognized and honored.
“Our team wore pink Dig Pink shirts, collected donations, and honored survivors by giving them pink carnations,” Decker said.
At the game, there was the opportunity to donate to the Loudoun Breast Health Network, a program that helps finance Loudoun County residents that are undergoing breast cancer treatment. They assist with paying for necessities such as medical expenses, rent, gas, food, and more. They also help support those going through treatment by providing them with items such as wigs and head coverings.
“Even if you have insurance, the financial strain from cancer treatment can be overwhelming. LBHN helps reduce the financial burden on patients,” Decker said.
Teachers were able to pay $20 at the start of the month to be allowed to wear jeans every day throughout October. Pizza was also available for $2 per slice at the end of the day every Thursday throughout the month. All earned proceeds for these two fundraisers went towards the Loudoun Breast Health Network.
On Oct. 18, there was a school pink out day where students and staff could deck out in pink to promote awareness. At lunch, SCA organized a table for students to write uplifting notes to those with breast cancer.
“People really need to be more aware of [breast cancer] so that they can support others who have it and so that they can get better care,” said FHS sophomore Nikki Kable.
To end the month strong, the theme for the home football game on Oct. 28 football was pink out!
“Cancer is scary and I think people [would] rather not deal with it until it attacks them or someone they love,” Decker said.
