South Plantation High School
Junior Varisity players wear pink gear.
The nation is parading in pink to celebrate and contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The color pink is a symbol of solidarity for Breast Cancer Awareness. Since 1990, pink apparel has become an empowerment tool to promote unity and to raise awareness of the second most common kind of cancer in women.
Jonathan Joseph’s cousin was battling the disease for five years, until she felt the need to no longer fight.
“Since my cousin lost the fight against this silent killer, I have yet to miss a walk in her honor,” said Joseph, a student at Florida State University. “It was hurting me to see my big cousin in pain, so when she said she could no longer fight, I took it in my own hands to fight the cause for her.”
Athletic organizations have also contributed to breast cancer awareness. Athletes wear the color pink on their uniforms and game day accessories. From football players to cheerleaders, the enthusiasm is electric. In sporting arenas across the state, October brings about a myriad of fashion statements that bleed pink.
Aaron Smith, the assistant baseball coach at Lincoln High School, said that all sports have started to take part in the trend.
“Even if you are sitting at the top of the bleachers, I guarantee that you will see the pink somewhere on the field,” Smith said. “You will see either pink socks, pink UnderArmor’s or somewhere on the uniform with the color pink.”
High school athletes are extremely passionate about the cause. Dylan Arnett, a sophomore at South Plantation High School in Plantation, Fla., said, “The small gesture of wearing a pink bow or pink socks is nothing if I am able to impart hope to the survivors and their families.”
Miramar High School football team sport pink and blue jerseys in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Arnett supports the cause because he has seen a beloved family member battle and defeat the cancer.
“My aunt is a survivor,” Arnett said. “So every time I step on that field with these colors, I need for our fans to know, we have to continue to fight and keep this awareness going not only in October but throughout the entire year because the struggle is real and people are dying.”
Florida A&M University’s Student Health Center Services Save the TaTas event from Oct.7 to Oct. 22 will administer free breast exams starting at 5 p.m.