Breast Cancer Month means something different to everyone. For some, it may be remembering those who have passed.  For others, it may be about raising awareness or donating money. For all of us, it’s working together to get closer to finding a cure.

According to cancer.gov and the National Cancer Institute, 12.4% of women born in the United States today will develop breast cancer at some time during their lives. This means that if the rate stays the same, a woman born today has a 1 in 8 chance of being diagnosed. This widespread disease is bound to effect not only the people diagnosed, but their friends and family as well.

Senior Kayne Mitchell said that Breast Cancer Month is “a month that everyone should be aware of and be taken seriously.”

Our librarian Ms. Merendino said, “It’s actually very important. My mom did have breast cancer and she did recover so it is something in the family. My aunt had it and also recovered. It’s a good thing to bring awareness to it. I’ve done some walks as well.”

To Mr. Herr, Breast Cancer Month means “having family who passed away. My aunt passed away, so for my family it’s about remembering and paying tribute, and keeping my aunt in thoughts and prayers. It’s also about survivors, and doing the work to raise awareness in terms of money to fight this disease.”

Mrs. Horowitz said, “It means raising awareness about breast cancer and how important it is to go to the doctor to get regular exams and checkups.” She shared, “One of my best friends had breast cancer at a very young age  and she unfortunately had to have two operations. She is doing great now. She has children and her recovery was due to regular checkups.”

Our school takes part in various fundraisers to donate to Breast Cancer. Students could put extra change in the coin donation funnel located in the library or buy treats from the bake sales held by sports teams. This month the boy’s and girl’s volleyball teams held Dig Pink games.

Dig Pink is an organization that collects funds and raises money from high school and college students for the organization Side-Out. When donating to Side-Out, the only charge deducted from each donation is a standard bank fee equivalent to approximately 2.1% of the donation for each transaction. All proceeds benefit Side-Out, which in turn awards grants to medical research organizations and entities dedicated to providing compassionate support to breast cancer patients and their families. Many schools across the nation, and each team in Suffolk County holds a game to benefit Dig Pink.

Our Dig Pink games take place every October and require an admission fee of only five dollars. That’s a small price to pay for a great cause. The girl’s volleyball team coach Mr. Zaloga said, “there are some exciting developments in the research for which the students from Westhampton Beach can feel proud that their donations helped fund.”

Mr. Zaloga, the coach for the girl’s volleyball team shared, “We do not have a money goal in mind. Setting a goal like that could lead to disappointment if we don’t reach it. We just want to raise what we can. We know the money we raise is not going to find a cure but it is going to help. We might raise $1000. With 50 schools in Suffolk raising the same that would be $50000. With the thousands of schools across the country that could be millions of dollars. I hope everyone learns that even small amounts of donations could lead to a lot of money for a charity.” This year about 80 people attended their game and they raise on average $1000 a year, and have been holding Dig Pink games for the past 3-4 years.

The boy’s volleyball team coach Ms. Reed said her goal for the team is $1200 “Which was a very far reach, but would be great to get to.” So far they have raised $430.00 and about 40 people attended their Dig Pink games. You can follow how much the boy’s volleyball team makes on their donating website https://www.side-out.org/cb/campaigns/campaign/6956.

Our students and faculty have done a great job this October raising both money and awareness for Breast Cancer Month. Thank you to everybody who has participated in either running our fundraisers or donating. We are one step closer to a cure.