Globally, breast cancer causes approximately 685,000 to 700,000 deaths every year, 115 to 120 people die from breast cancer every day in the United States alone. That’s someone’s parent, sister, someone’s aunt or friend.
As a result, every year CCHS raises funds and awareness for this cause.
“We’ve been doing [the pep rally] for over 15 years.” Brandi Jones said
“It’s just a way for us, for CCHS to get involved in community services and give back to the Coach Kill Cancer fund, which impacts those who are diagnosed with cancer in the Southern Illinois area. We give the funds to the Coach Kill Cancer fund and they do great things with people who are battling cancer in Southern Illinois” Jones said.
Events like this go beyond decorations and school spirit. They created a space for education, remembrance, and support.
But how do students feel about this?
“It is something that is actually very common not only in our area but in the world.” Logan Wright said, “It’s something that people don’t really think about. Like when you think cancer, you just think cancer in general, there’s a lot of different types; Breast cancer being one of them” Wright said.
“I think it’s important to know about breast cancer because a lot of us misunderstand what it is, what it causes, how much trauma it can bring to people sometimes.” Savion Thomas-Mims said, “If it’s stage 4 people can die from it. It’s important to be aware of what could possibly be going on around people.” Wright said.
Breast cancer doesn’t just affect one party, it affects all parties involved. Like one of our own, Logan Wright
“It’s nice to know that a lot of people in our community are involved in raising awareness and raising money to help out.” Wright said,
“It’s something that has happened in my family, so I notice the things that we feel, that different people in the family feel. People that are closer, some people that may not know them as much. I know how it feels to have someone in the family to be diagnosed with breast cancer, so just having that experience makes me realize how much it could actually affect a family.”
Breast cancer awareness means something unique to everyone. We asked students and staff to describe it in one word.
“Cancer awareness is that key word; Awareness.” Rasheeda Love said.
“Devastating” Thomas-Mims said.
“Amazing,” Wright said.
“Prominant” Connor Gulbrandsen said.
“Underfunded.” Marialice Jenkins said.
“Strong,” Sha’Niya Garmny said.
“Important,” Amariyah Lucas said.
While awareness is powerful, so is encouragement.
To those currently fighting breast cancer, and to the survivors who continue to inspire others, our students and staff had messages of strength and hope.
“My message to a breast cancer fighter, is to continue to fight. Continue to have faith” Love said
“Trust in God. Just pray. Hope for the best” Thomas-Mims said
“Stay strong, keep fighting. You can get through it. I encourage you not to give up. I definitely recommend continue talking to your friends and family; Keep the updated, reassuring them” Wright said
“To keep the hope and know that every day new technology, and hopefully cures, are coming up. Stay the fight.” Jenkins said
“To not give up hope and to put their best foot forward. Put trust in their doctors and their treatment care plan.” Jones said.
Breast cancer awareness is more than a moment. It’s more than a pep rally.
It’s a reminder that education saves lives. Early detection matters.
“Get checked. Start screening early at a younger age, to make it like a habit” Lucia Amorelli said.
And community support can make an incredible difference.
At CCHS, today we didn’t just wear pink.
We stood together.
