The goal of Pink Out is to raise money and spread awareness about the dangers of breast cancer. The entire month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it is encouraged that everyone wears pink to support the women who are struggling with breast cancer. Sports usually dedicate a game or meet to this and have it be a Pink Out game. Everyone shows up in pink, and they raise funds with merchandise that they sell. This year, our school is having the funds we raise go to Stephanie Kelley. 

Kelley was recently diagnosed with stage two triple-positive breast cancer. She was diagnosed a few weeks after the first day of school. She said at first it didn’t affect her day-to-day too much, but when she started chemotherapy, it made her feel like she was tired all the time. She said she now feels so tired that she could fall asleep in the middle of what she’s doing. She said, “Chemo is not glamorous, like, at all.” Kelley said she feels so grateful for everything the community has done for her so far. She started to send “thank-you’s” to everyone who gave her anything, but she has gotten so much support that it would be impossible for her to thank each and every person. 

The Kelley family are not the only people impacted by breast cancer. Andrew Mitchell, the Activity Director and Assistant Vice Principal at the high school, said, “Most [people] know of someone who has had it, some more than others. My mother is a breast cancer survivor for example.” He said that showing up and wearing pink makes breast cancer patients feel supported and understood. He also said that the fundraisers are just a small part of what we can do as a school to help support these women. One small benefit of Pink Out is the community coming together to support those who have been diagnosed. “This year we get to help one of our own, making it even more special.” 

Teacher Daniel Vargason is one of the main contributors to the Pink Out cause. He is the supervisor for AHS Fuel and has worked with the school’s cross country, volleyball, and football teams to raise money for Pink Out. They are selling ribbons, key chains, sunglasses, beads, and the usual Pink Out shirt order. He said, “Normally, we donate all of the funds to the American Cancer Society, but this year we decided to give all of the funds to the Kelley Family since Mrs. Kelley was diagnosed with breast cancer. The [Atlantic Community School District] was very understanding and supportive of the decision.” At this time he doesn’t know what they will have for the basketball Pink Out, but he knows they will do something and the funds will go to the Kelly Family. 

At the home cross country meet on October 10, the runners wore new pink uniforms from the proceeds they got at RAGBRAI, and a majority of the runners purchased ribbons in support of Kelley. At the volleyball game, the varsity wore their pink jerseys and pink ribbons on their shoes and in their hair. There were also ribbons and keychains sold at the game as well, donation buckets were passed around the stands by AHS Fuel members for those who wanted to donate money. At the football game, the ribbons and keychains will also be sold as well as sunglasses and beads. The school’s football players usually wear some sort of pink on the field, whether it be socks or athletic tape, because they want to show their support from the field. The student section will also be wearing pink in honor of those who suffer from breast cancer. The donation buckets will also be passed around the stands at the football game. 

Pink Out is just one way to support your community and donate to a great cause. Most people know someone who suffers from breast cancer and could use help from their community, so give what you can and support these beautiful individuals who are struggling. If you haven’t already donated to the Kelley family, they have a GoFundMe where you can donate and give them your support. Kelley said, “It feels like the community wrapped a big blanket around me and said ‘We’re here to take care of you’.” She is grateful for the students, the staff, and the community. She said she couldn’t imagine doing it with “anyone else” and she doesn’t know who else she would want to be on this journey with. Kelley’s story is just one example of the strength in community and the amazing things people can do when united towards a common goal.