Career and Tech students ‘Skate for Pink’

Mat-Su Career and Technical High School students embraced October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Showing that they are passionate about the welfare of Alaskans suffering from breast cancer, students organized an ice skating fundraiser.

The event was at the Brett Memorial Ice Rink on Oct. 22. Advertisement was generously provided by local radio station Q99.7 and by student-placed flyers. More than 50 people came to express their support. The Brett Memorial generously allowed CTHS students to contribute all of the proceeds to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The occasion, dubbed Skate for Pink, was conceived by CTHS student Sarah Shaw. Originally planned to be a walkathon, Shaw instead suggested hosting an ice skating event.

“I wanted to come up with an extraordinary way to raise funds for breast cancer,” Shaw said.

The event was organized by the CTHS student leadership group. The class is comprised of student government and council members, along with supportive members of the student body. This team of enthusiastic teens has orchestrated projects and activities that are beneficial for school and community members. Previously this year, they organized everything from dances to school furnishing projects. Entering Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the leadership group was filled with ideas. The fundraiser concept was unanimously accepted and entered the planning stages.

Before the logistics of the event could be specified, students had to select an organization to donate money to. They wanted a locally based organization that was dedicated to assisting breast cancer victims. Despite the powerful will to donate, no such foundation could be located.

“It was very frustrating, especially because of the fact we were working on such a short notice,” said Cassandra Lowell, the CTHS leadership instructor. “You see these organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society seeking organizations to raise founds, and there is nothing like that for breast cancer locally.”

With only days remaining before the event was to be held, the leadership students compromised, deciding to contribute to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This internationally recognized organization has been working for more than 25 years to invest funds into breast cancer research, education and services. Many annual worldwide events are sponsored by the Susan G. Komen organization.

After two weeks of careful planning, “Skate for Pink” took off with a bang and satisfied its creators to no end.

“It was really inspiring to see how many people came out to support breast cancer awareness,” Shaw said.

Events like these indicate that young people are beginning to become more involved with significant issues like cancer. Many youth agree that it is important for today’s teens to take the lead on issues like breast cancer awareness.

“As civic minded individuals, they see firsthand that contributions that they make can help the community,” Lowell said.

According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 40,000 Americans will die from breast cancer in 2011, with over 200,000 diagnosed. One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point, causing breast cancer to touch the lives of everyone. “For sure in my lifetime, I will know someone who has breast cancer,” said Shaw.

Students hope their money will go toward a cure to help both the future victims and those who are currently suffering. “It leads to more education for our generation, for finding a cure for this silent epidemic,” said Niki Edwards, a CTHS junior.

The passion and determination of these students has made one of many steps in the long journey toward helping those who are afflicted with breast cancer.

Zachary J.K. Neubauer is a sophomore at Mat-Su Career and Technical High School.