Dist. 211 students ensuring the pink won't fade away

It's been a year since breast cancer took Susan Mertes.

It was a three-year battle for the Hoffman Estates woman, who'd watched four sons take the gridiron for Fremd High School. Football was such a big part of her life that sister-in-law Jean Johnson remembers that the Bears game was on TV when Mertes died on Sept. 23, 2007, at age 46.

The timing of her passing made last year's "Pink Out" - a cancer fundraiser held soon after in her honor at the Fremd-Schaumburg game - especially poignant. It raised $15,000 for the American Cancer Society and $5,000 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

"I was really inspired because it was young kids reaching out and making a difference when they thought they really couldn't do much about it," Johnson said.

This year, even more Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 students are keeping the district "pink."

Friday, Fremd faces Hoffman Estates, and both teams will observe another Pink Out.

Students will again sport pink gear and the football players pink socks. Pinks poms will be raised, the United Clubs of Fremd will sell T-shirts, bagpipers will play decorated field and a raffle conducted, with $5 tickets. Luminaria will be available to honor survivors. Also through Friday, Photo's Hot Dogs, 301 N. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, will donate 25 percent of proceeds to the cause for those who mention the charity upon ordering.

Johnson, a former Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital oncology nurse, also secured free breast cancer screenings from the hospital as one raffle prize.

Across the district, Conant High students have also organized events throughout the month, including a kickball game that raised $350. Conant hopes to bring in $1,000 for Komen, said teacher Jodie Friedman. Its events were organized by four students.

Conant will also have its own Pink Out Friday against Barrington. Friedman and colleague Josie Garcia said their goal was to allow students to take the lead.

"It's just a wonderful way to help students understand," Friedman said.

Two of Mertes' sons, Adam and Drew, will again suit up for Fremd Friday. Johnson said her nephews are indebted to the community's support.

"We are extremely blessed," she said.

Friday's Fremd varsity game is to start at 7:30 p.m.