When Susan G. Komen found a lump in her breast at the young age
of 33, she had no idea that she would revolutionize the way the
world perceived breast cancer.
When Susan G. Komen found a lump in her breast at the young age of 33, she had no idea that she would revolutionize the way the world perceived breast cancer.
She fought her battle bravely, and was revered by families and friends alike for her perseverance and tenacity. And although she fought with all the strength she had, the iron grip of cancer was still stronger.
Nancy G. Brinker will never forget the day that she lost her beloved sister.
Recounting her last moments with her sister, Brinker recalls that Susan wanted to do, “something to help the sick women in the hospital.” This sentiment, “practically tore (Brinker’s) heart out, because here she was, hardly able to manage a whisper, and she was worrying about other people.” After Susan’s death, Brinker did not take her sister’s dying wish lightly. In fact, she would go on to create Susan G. Komen For The Cure – the world’s leading source of breast cancer research funds.
The story of Susan G. Komen and Nancy Brinker has melted the hearts of millions. As a result, nearly $1.5 billion have been invested into breast cancer research.
Their trademark pink ribbon graces almost every product imaginable, and the Komen Race for the Cure has become one of the most successful fundraising events in the world.
We truly owe the world’s growing commitment to the support of breast cancer to these two women. It is by far the one institution that has managed to pervade media, commerce and the interest of the younger generation.
The truth of the latter is demonstrated by Ann Sobrato High School’s “Breast Cancer Awareness Week.” Tying in with “Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” which is, in fact, October, Sobrato has created something akin to a second homecoming week centered around breast cancer.
Sobrato students have dedicated the week of Oct. 18 to curing breast cancer. Pale pink boxes embellished with the iconic feminine breast cancer ribbons sit in every teacher’s classroom for donations.
Each day of the week has a breast cancer related theme.
For example, Wednesday was “Wear All Pink” day, where students have been asked to don only pink clothing. Pink ribbons are being sold in the Associated Student Body, office for students to wear. All proceeds will go toward breast cancer research funds.
As of late, students at Sobrato and Live Oak have been sporting new fashion trends in support of breast cancer.
The Keep A Breast Foundation in California has created an immensely popular wristband, which reads in large, colorful letters, “I Love Boobies.” Other students proudly wear shirts that read, “Save the Ta-tas.”
Although these phrases may seem rather vulgar, perhaps the fact that the younger generation is taking an active interest in a noble cause is enough to wave aside any ethical issues that may be presented here. After all, the money used to purchase these products does go to support breast cancer research.
In addition, Sobrato and Like Oak exhibited their support for breast cancer, Oct. 15 during the Dig Pink volleyball game.
The volleyball game, Sobrato vs. Live Oak, was hosted in the Live Oak gym. Bright pink T-shirts, cupcakes and miniature volleyballs were sold at the game.
Donations were accepted online at www.side-out.org and at the game itself. In total, Live Oak and Sobrato raised an impressive sum of about $4,000.
“We are on a mission, but we can’t get there without you,” Brinker addresses to the masses. And with thousands of students walking around in pink attire and small pink ribbons and the $4,000 raised in conjunction by our two high schools to be used in the search for the cure to breast cancer, Brinker won’t have to get there without Morgan Hill.
Note: all quotations taken from www.komen.org.
Sabrina Werts is a junior at Ann Sobrato High School. In addition to writing, she enjoys piano and dance.
