U-46 high schools go pink for breast cancer awareness
Larkin and South Elgin high schools are going pink this month to raise awareness about breast cancer.
Events are planned throughout this month for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the two schools in partnership with Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin.
At Larkin, "Pink Outs" are planned during the Friday night home football game against St. Charles North High School, the Oct. 5 home volleyball game against Antioch Community High School, an Oct. 13 home volleyball game against Geneva High School and the Oct. 23 home football game against Geneva High School. Players and coaches will be wearing pink headbands and sweatbands during those games, and fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support.
Headbands and sweatbands also will be sold during the game for $3 a piece, two for $5, and $7 for a set.
"Anytime we can team up with a business partner in our community to raise awareness about cancer, it is a win-win situation," said Mark Ribbens, Larkin athletic director.
Representatives from Advocate Sherman Hospital also will be selling the items in the Larkin lunchroom throughout the month. Students will have the opportunity to have photos taken with breast cancer survivors. Other educational materials also will be available for students, fans, faculty and staff.
At South Elgin, a similar Pink Out is scheduled during the Oct. 17 varsity home football game against East Aurora High School. Leaders of the student section, "Storm Nation," will be selling the sweatbands and headbands throughout the week leading up to the game.
"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," said Jason Ward, South Elgin athletic director. "All fans are being encouraged to wear pink, and the leaders of our student section 'Storm Nation' will aid the awareness."
Proceeds from the month will go toward the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, Oct. 18 at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles.
One in eight women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. To learn more about breast health, visit storiesofthegirls.com.