NORWICH – Members of the Norwich High School cheerleading squad are prepared to once again “Cheer for a Cure” at Friday's varsity football game at 7 p.m. against Union Endicott – a game that has been deemed by many the “Pink Game.”
This is the fourth straight year the cheerleaders have participated in the event that aims to raise not only funds but also cancer awareness throughout the community. The game is held near the beginning of October each year to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
NHS Varsity Cheerleading Coach Marie DeSarro said the Pink Game is one that the cheerleaders look forward to each year.
“My girls love to participate,” said DeSarro. “Every year at the beginning of the season, they try to come up with a new way to show their support.”
At this year's event, the cheer team will be collecting donations at the game. Profits from the sale of the football program will be donated from the football boosters to the Cheer for a Cure Relay for Life team. Cheerleaders will also be accepting donations and have various cancer-related items for sale at the game. Proceeds will go toward the cause.
While this year's school and community participation hasn't been the highest seen in Pink Game history, DeSarro is confident the event is successful in raising cancer awareness within the community. Moreover, the young ladies on the team know their efforts do not go unnoticed, she added.
“There have been many people I know who are fighting or who have fought against cancer,” said NHS cheerleader Morgan Golliver. “I cheer for a cure for all those who have or had cancer. Cancer can be life threatening – so hold onto your loved ones while there is still time and always thank the Lord above for all the days you have with them.”
DeSarro said she hopes she and the group are able to encourage not only the sports teams to participate in the event, but also the NHS student body and local community.
The Cheer for a Cure Relay for Life team – comprised of current, former, and future NHS cheerleaders and families – raised $3,520 at the 2013 Relay for Life event in July. According to DeSarro, funds raised from last year's Pink Game and the Coaches vs. Cancer basketball games contributed.
Said DeSarro, “Our amount raised continues to increase every year,” adding she could not be more proud of the group of girls. The team followed both the NHS mascot and the board game theme of the Relay for Life event by decorating their campsite with a Twister game theme. “AKA ‘Tornadoes’ … get it?”
The cheerleaders are passionate about spreading awareness within the community and raising funds to help fight cancer for various individual reasons.
Said NHS cheerleader Cassidy Davern, “I cheer for a cure because many people in my life have had cancer – and it has affected my life. My friend, Ashley Barrows, had cancer for a while and fought it. Mrs. Decker, my teacher, had cancer and fought it. My great-grandpa Kline died of lymphoma cancer and I cheer for him even though he is gone… I always will.” Her drive to be involved extends beyond her family and friend experiences. “I cheer for a cure for everyone who has or has had cancer in their lives and hope that they will fight it.”
DeSarro said she feels it is important to get the younger generations involved with giving back to their communities, and the Pink Game is a great way to get students involved.
“You never know when you could be affected by the disease - your parent, sibling, teacher, coach or teammate. It’s important to give back now, so that one day, we won’t have to worry about it affecting anyone,” she stated.
Members of the football team will have pink ribbons on their helmets, but the cheerleaders will be donned in their pink and vibrant “Cheer for a Cure” uniforms.
“Participating with my Cheer for a Cure team makes you see how everyone can make a difference,” said cheerleader Hanna Wright. “When someone has cancer, the whole family and everyone that loves them has it too. Try to support cancer (research) so that someone else might survive, might prosper and might actually find a cure to the dreadful disease.”
DeSarro noted that somehow, despite the area's economic woes, the community always comes together to raise funds toward the fight against cancer.
“There's something about Chenango County,” she said. “Everyone does their part – whether it is $5 or $500 – every donation counts. The disease affects everyone. Our community always amazes me. The caring, loving support of our neighbors in Chenango County is one that every community nationwide should follow and take example from.”
Another NHS student and cheerleader, Jordan Murphy, became personal as to why she opts to help out with events relating to cancer awareness.
Said Murphy, “I know many people in my family who have passed away or who still have cancer. I wear yellow for my Grandma Phyllis, who passed away from bone cancer. I wear pink for my mom’s friend, Danielle, who passed away from breast cancer. I wear white for my Grandpa Murphy, who is a survivor of lung cancer. I wear dark blue for my cousin, Dave, who is fighting colon cancer. And I wear lime green for the Stirones because their grandma passed away of lymphoma cancer. I cheer for a cure because of the many loved ones who have had cancer – and I show my support for them, by wearing these colors.”
Friday is also senior night for the varsity players and cheerleaders which will begin at 6:25 p.m.
The game is set to begin at 7 p.m. at Ulrich Field.