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.”
