Setting up to fight cancer
October 13, 2016
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Brahmas are playing big for a cure.
Diamond Bar High School’s volleyball program is supporting those who have been affected by breast cancer by honoring them at its upcoming home game against South Hills tomorrow.
Throughout the week, volleyball players have been selling pink ribbons that can be worn at the game to support both the JV and the varsity team.
They also ordered special pink jerseys that will be worn during the games.
All proceeds during the game will be going to the Dig Pink Foundation, which works to encourage volleyball teams around the nation to hold fundraisers for breast cancer research.
They will also be donating all of the money they received from the pink ribbon purchases.
During the game the team will be presenting a slideshow of inspirational cancer survivors from the community and listening to a motivational playlist that was made by the team.
“I really just want us all to come together and make a difference where we can,” head coach Katie Swetnam said.
Those who attend the game wearing pink will be entered into a raffle for various prizes. Winners will be announced at the end of the night.
The Dig Pink Foundation will also receive all of the snack bar profits throughout the night.
A taco truck will also be selling food with a percentage of its earnings donated to the charity.
Shirts were also sold during the month to teammates and family members who will be attending the game.
With only these purchases, the program has already raised over $500 for the Dig Pink Foundation.
Senior Taylor Williams inspired the campaign after her grandmother passed away due to breast cancer. Swetnam worked with Williams’ mother to organize the event and all of the fundraisers.
“We were super close and she was super involved with finding the cure and fighting cancer in whatever way she could,” Williams said.
Most of the team members have been affected by breast cancer indirectly through the people they know.
Survivors will be honored during the game with pink roses.
Swetnam also has family members who have battled breast cancer.
They inspired her to take a large part in this fundraiser.
“This fundraiser means a lot to me. Breast cancer hit my family pretty hard this year, and not just my family. I hope that this can continue on for years to come, and that we can make it an annual thing,” Swetnam said.
