Thursday, October 25, 2018

IN OCTOBER WE WEAR PINK

By DANIELLE IMPERATO

It is safe to say that everyone has been affected by breast cancer in some way, shape or form. One of the amazing things about the Washingtonville community is the way residents come together to support breast cancer awareness in every way possible.  Whether it’s by  students wearing pink to school, athletes wearing pink during their games, or even creating a Wizards Against Cancer Club, there is no shortage of love and support for all those afflicted.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is an appalling disease that kills over 40,000 people each year.  Out of the people who died from breast cancer, 40,920 of them were women. The reason why awareness for breast cancer is so important is  because it recognizes the importance that early detection and regular health visits should be taken seriously because they could save a life.  

DANIELLE IMPERATO FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY
It is not uncommon during the month of October to see Wizard athletes wearing pink while playing their sports so that everyone watching can see the awareness and support Wizard Nation is trying to emphasize. Not only do the athletes wear this bright and encouraging color, the student section does as well.  There is nothing like seeing the swarm of students cheering in unity to spread awareness for such an important cause.

The Wizards Against Cancer Club, otherwise known as WACC, was created by one of our very own students so that more awareness could be disseminated.   WACC was started in September of 2014 by Lucia Dugan.  She had good reason for wanting to begin such an important club.   “In 2006, my dad was diagnosed with stage 3 small cell bladder cancer. He had to go through 6 months of chemotherapy before having a surgery to remove it. When I got to High School and saw how cancer was affecting the school, I remembered how I felt when my dad had cancer and it made me want to create a safe haven for people being affected by cancer and help raise money towards cancer research.”  

Over the past four years, the club has only evolved even more. There are many fundraisers within the club throughout the year that raise a tremendous amount of money to be donated to hospitals like Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital located in Westchester. Some of the fundraisers to look out for are Cuts for a Cure, Trivia Night, and Team shirts. 

Mrs. Lynch, one of the club advisors, is very enthusiastic about this club. “My favorite experience/activity is just sitting back to observe.  I love when a fundraiser occurs.  All the hard work that Mrs. Constable and the club put into making an event happen comes to fruition and I love seeing everyone participate.” She went on to express, “I make sure to walk the halls during color outs, and I participate in every event. It feels so good.  Even better, handing over the checks to the Hudson Valley Resource Center, and delivering holiday gift bags to the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital warms my heart.” This club and all its members are very energetic about the  charity that it brings to support the cause. 

The Washingtonville Central School District and community is always so enthusiastic about coming together for significant causes.  Breast cancer awareness will always be a big part of the Washingtonville community during the month of October. The more awareness that is spread the better the outcome! 

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