October is breast cancer awareness month, which is one of the most significant months that is widely known , especially for the Pines Charter volleyball team.
Breast Cancer is a widely known cancer which mainly affects women, and rarely occurs in men. It can be life threatening if not treated, and it affects many people. In the United States alone, over 200,000 new cases of breast cancer are reported each year.
Coach Mary Carrillo, one of the Lady Jags coaches, is a breast cancer survivor. As a survivor, Coach Carrillo passionately emphasizes the ‘pink out’ theme for the volleyball team every October.
“We play to show our sympathy for all those who have been affected by this detrimental disease. Especially our coach Mary, who has always been there for us and has sacrificed many things just to be our coach.” expresses sophomore setter, Captain Sophia Alan.
Each year, the Lady Jags host their annual “pink out” home game, where everyone is encouraged to wear pink. The team went an extra step with this tradition deciding to make pink jerseys.
Senior Captain Jenna McIntosh, believes in “strength and perseverance shown by the survivors who had struggled with surviving this life-destroying disease.” The Jags take inspiration from Coach Carrillo, which fuels their passion for the game.
Each year, a key tradition of the “pink out” game is inviting breast cancer survivors to share their stories and raise awareness about this life changing disease. Which changes the mindset of many people and helps them see the disease from the perspective of someone who had a first hand account dealing with this disease.
The original pink out game was scheduled for September 26, against Somerset Academy, it got canceled since schools closed due to weather complications.
