Sherman partners with local schools to raise breast cancer awareness

Elgin, Ill. - Advocate Sherman Hospital is joining two Elgin Area School District U-46 high schools in the fight against breast cancer.

Several events are planned throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October at Larkin and South Elgin high schools to raise breast cancer awareness.

Larkin High School Pink Outs are planned during the Oct. 2 home football game against St. Charles North High School, Oct. 5 home volleyball game against Antioch Community High School, Oct. 13 home volleyball game against Geneva High School and Oct. 23 home football game against Geneva High School.

In addition to players and coaching wearing pink headbands and sweatbands during those games to awareness, fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support. The same headbands and sweatbands also will be on sale at the game - $3, $5 for two, and $7 for a set.

"Larkin High School is honored to partner with Advocate Sherman Hospital for our Pink Out events during the month of October," said Mark Ribbens, athletic director at Larkin High School. "Anytime we can team up with a business partner in our community to raise awareness about cancer, it is a win-win situation."

Representatives from Advocate Sherman Hospital also will be selling the items in the Larkin High School lunchroom throughout the month, where students also will have the opportunity to have their photos taken with breast cancer survivors. Other educational materials also will be available for students, fans, faculty and staff.

At South Elgin High School, a Pink Out is schedule during the varsity home football game against East Aurora High School at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 17. Players and coaches will again be wearing pink sweatbands, which also will be sold during the game. Leaders of the student section "Storm Nation" also will be selling the sweatbands and headbands throughout the week leading up to the game.

"We are excited to partner with Advocate Sherman Hospital to raise breast cancer awareness," said Jason Ward, athletic director at South Elgin High School. "Sherman Hospital has been a partner of the South Elgin High School Booster Organization and played a big role in the construction of our stadium. All fans are being encouraged to wear pink, and the leaders of our student section 'Storm Nation' will aid the awareness."

All proceeds raised throughout the month will go toward the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, which takes place Oct. 18 at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About one in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

To learn more about breast health, visit www.storiesofthegirls.com.