October is a month to celebrate or remember individuals who fought a hard battle with cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October, raises awareness about breast cancer, promotes early detection, and supports research and treatment initiatives.
Oftentimes, when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it can be difficult. One of our own journalists, Braden Davis, was directly affected after finding out his mom, Robyn, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. He states it was “tough in the beginning because I didn’t really know what to expect.” Braden’s Grandpa previously had cancer and passed away when he was only 9 years old. Because of this, it made his mom’s diagnosis “Scary because I didn’t know what it would be like for someone I loved and that close to me to go through that pain. During Robyn’s battle, multiple members of their church came by to bring meals as well as offer help. Fortunately, they caught Robyn’s cancer early, and she won her battle in 2020. When he found out his mom was cancer-free, Braden said, “It was a special moment, my mom got to ring the bell, and there was so much joy.” Robyn continues to be cancer-free to this day.
HHS also offers ways to celebrate and remember those who have battled cancer. The Pink Out game is one of Herrin High School’s most impactful and meaningful game days. This year, our volleyball team is doing things differently. For the first time in school history, the volleyball team got pink jerseys, which they plan to wear for the whole month of October to show support. Along with the jerseys, they have participated in three separate Pink Out games.
On Tuesday, October 7, the volleyball team traveled to Murphysboro to take on the Red Devils in their first Pink Out game. Unfortunately, the Tigers lost in both sets, but the events that took place are what made the night special. Throughout the whole evening, multiple giveaways and prizes were held to support those battling cancer. Deaconess Hospital supported both of the teams by supplying pink-out shirts that both teams wore during warmups.
Similarly, on Wednesday, October 8, Herrin traveled and faced off against Carterville in their second Pink Out game. Before the game took place, a huge raffle was held that went to benefit cancer research. Both teams raised money by selling “Dig Pink” t-shirts. With every t-shirt purchased, a portion of the proceeds was donated to the SIH Cancer Institute to help with the ongoing fight against cancer.
On Thursday, October 9, Herrin finally hosted their own Pink Out game. The culminating event of the evening, the Rose Walk, is where the real impact is felt.
The Rose Walk allowed players from both Massac and Herrin to walk with people who have either won their fight or are still battling with cancer. Some players also walked in memory of those who lost their fight to cancer.
Emmy Walquist (Massac) walked with Kathey Walquist, who won her fight with triple-negative breast cancer; she’s been clear for the last 16 years. Hallee Smallman (Massac) walked with Jackie Simmons, who has been fighting breast cancer for the past 20 years. Lexie Snow (Massac) walked with Wanda Snell, who has been fighting mouth cancer for the last 7 years. Harley Durham (Massac) walked with Tom Durham, who has been fighting brain cancer for the last 2 years. Josie Brandon walked with Bob and Holly Harrison, who have both won their battles with cancer for 4 years and 12 years, respectively. Harley Summers walked with Darrell Holder, who won his battle with prostate cancer.
Ary Randall walked in memory of Jeffrey Randall, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. Lia Young and Mariana Manzano walked in memory of Nancy Young, who lost her battle with lung cancer. Corilyn Matlock and Ryleigh Coffey walked in memory of Karen Apple, who lost her battle with lung cancer. Brooke Hudgens walked in support of Mama Judy, who has won her battle with breast cancer for 20 years. Brooke Hudgens also walked in memory of Aunt Lori, who lost her battle with breast cancer. Ryleigh Coffey walked in support of her Papa, who has been fighting lung cancer for the last month.
Sofia Davis walked in memory of Jennie Bazeski, who lost her battle with Kidney cancer. Kylie Wagoner-Smith walked with Jodi Jeralds, who has been fighting Metastatic breast cancer for the past 4 years. Kylie Wagoner-Smith also walked in memory of her Grandma Rose, who lost her battle with metastatic breast cancer. Vanna Thompson walked in support of her Paw Paw Larry, who has battled colon cancer for 5 years.
Finally, on Friday, October 10th, our football team hosted a pink-out game at home against Carbondale. Although the game didn’t end in the way we wanted, the student section showed up loud and proud in Pink-Out attire.
Last week was a week to remember, but it’s just the beginning. Basketball Pink-Out games will be held in a few months, so stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events with Tiger News and the Tiger Tattler.
