'Pink Out' game gives support to those facing cancer

Pink, yellow, blue, gray and green. While those colors can be found on the spectrum of the rainbow, they also represent awareness of those fighting a cancer diagnosis.

While a rainy, muddy evening attempted to dampen the festivities of the “Pink Out” football game Friday honoring cancer survivors and giving encouragement to fighters, various shades of pink still stood bright among the crowd and on the field. From hot pink “Support” socks worn by the football players to the bubblegum pink bow placed in the cheerleader's ponytail, the PCM community came together to show support for all those effected by cancer.

“Obviously, October is breast cancer awareness month, but there are a lot of other cancers that affect people that don’t get the same publicity as breast cancer,” cheerleading coach Megan Bouska said. “I’ve known several people who have had colon cancer, they have had cancer in their lungs and they are still going through the same fight. There is no reason to not support those people, as well.”

Sponsored by the PCM All-American Cheerleaders, T-shirts were available for purchase to support the cause along with glitter tattoos and glow bracelets and necklaces at the game. A “Kick Cancer” pink boot was also on hand for donations.

The PCM Dance Team performed wearing the “Pink Out” shirt at the game and the band was planning to wear pink bandannas for its half time performance, but due to the weather, they were sidelined for the night. Cancer survivors and fighters were also invited to be on the field during the National Anthem as a sign of support and encouragement.

“We want to show them support and say ‘Yes, even though you are fighting cancer, we are fighting it with you, we are here with you,” Bouska said.

While many students and community members have been or know someone effected by cancer, a few individuals stood out to those planning the event. Recently retired teacher Denise Young announced she was battling breast cancer prior to the end of the school year and a color run was held in her honor.

“Another big support system that has been going on through PCM is for Jeri Roland, who is a wrestling mom. We just think it would be really cool to have everybody from the community come and support,” cheerleader Bess Telfer said.

The cheerleaders have also felt the effects of cancer in recent years with former coach Tammy Wickett taken by pancreatic cancer.

“It hit her fast, it hit her hard, it hit everybody hard,” Bouska said. “Just keeping her in our thoughts as well that night.”

All funds raised by the event will go to an organization which helps people facing cancer and towards cancer research.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com