Dakota Vernezze, staff writer
The stands were packed Sept. 26 at Indian Trail vs Bradford’s Tackle Pink game. Both teams and their fans were showing their support for breast cancer victims by wearing pink. Though they are adversaries on the field, both IT and Bradford worked together for a common cause in the stands that night raising money for the Circle of Hope, which helps local women pay for their medical expenses. Last year, the two schools raised just under $7,000 with help from sponsors. Last month, they bested that figure.
Throughout the whole school week during lunch periods, IT had games and sold T-shirts for $8 each. One-hundred percent of the money raised went to the Circle of Hope. But none of this would have been possible without the students.
“They really get into it,” said Adam King, activities director and dean of students.
With a sea of pink in the stands and ticket lines stretching out to the parking lot, the stu- dents and families were very supportive of this cause.
Almost everybody knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer. According to breastcancer.org, about 1 in 8 women will end up with invasive breast cancer within her life and breast cancer has a higher death rate in women than any other type of cancer. For some students, breast cancer has personally affected their lives.
“My mom had breast cancer over last year, so I like to support her,” said Communications sophomore Tristan Batwinski.
Many students stated they have had their mothers, grandmothers, even teachers go through breast cancer treatment. The outpouring of support through Tackle Pink activities raised $8,167 for the Circle of Hope within the week and is expected to have a major impact on the community.
“It was phenomenal,” King said. “Our kids worked really well together. Our kids united for a great cause.”