AKRON – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so Tippecanoe Valley High School senior Allyson Ross organized the second annual Pink Out with the help of her school.
This year it was held during the Valley vs. Rochester football game Sept. 28. The football players again eagerly wore pink socks to support the cause. The cheerleaders, student cheer block, band members and fans filled the stands with a sea of pink. Amy Murphy brought her pink Farmall tractor again to display.
Ross got help from Lauren Daughtery to spread the word at the Rochester High school, and to take orders for pink T-shirts. The Rochester cheerleaders also wore pink, along with many of their fans. As an incentive, the school principals promised to dye their hair pink if the event raised at least $300. They honored that bet at the homecoming game Oct. 12.
Proceeds from the sale of the 234 T-shirts, cupcakes sold by the Art Club, face painting and donations at the game totaled $1,269.39. This money was given to sponsor Carol Mitterling at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk for the American Cancer Society in Fort Wayne Oct. 13.
Mitterling was on a 15-person team named Linda’s Bosom Buddies, whose motto was “Kickin’ Cancer’s Booty.” The team collectively raised $2,284.39.
Mitterling, a lifelong resident of Akron who raised three children in the school corporation, and whose husband frequently drives the bus for sports teams, was diagnosed Jan. 19. After a lumpectomy and 40 radiation treatments, she feels blessed to be six months cancer free. She credits early detection from a routine mammogram to her successfully beating this disease.
When presented with the check, Mitterling said, “I’m speechless, and that doesn’t happen often.” She was very thankful for the efforts of the high school and everyone who contributed to the Pink Out football game.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Pink-Out, Ross said. “It was wonderful seeing our high school and community work together for a common cause.”
