At the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Plainview-Old Bethpage (POB) School District’s John F. Kennedy High School joined forces with the American Cancer Society to hold a “Pink Out” event, which raised over $600 for breast cancer research and raised awareness throughout the community. Students, dressed in their best pink ensembles, decorated the campus with banners, balloons and flags provided by the American Cancer Society and sold pink-colored goods donated by local small businesses such as Family Bagel. During the evening’s football game, fans gathered to honor varsity cheerleading coach Stacy Brennan for her bravery and dedication to the community despite her personal battle with breast cancer.
“The district never turns down an opportunity to unite the community under an important cause such as promoting breast cancer research,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lorna Lewis. “Our students and faculty are passionate about giving back, particularly when the cause involves one of our own. This event would not be possible without the dedication and participation by all staff and students involved.”
Brennan, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and recently fell out of remission. She is an American Cancer Society activist, Plainview-Old Bethpage resident, cheerleading coach and mother whose spirit and enthusiasm inspired her team and faculty to host this event and strive towards a cure. Brennan received the district’s Heart of the Hawk Award.
“I am speechless, proud, and just overwhelmed by the beautiful job my cheerleaders, Assistant Principal Sharon Lasher, Family Bagel and all else involved did today,” said Brennan. “An event like this means the world to me. I am so aware of my blessings, my support system and I just love this school.”
The Pink Out event is one of many cancer awareness events the varsity cheerleading team participates in. The team walks with Brennan’s team, Stacy’s Warriors, at the annual American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Jones Beach and recently joined other POB athletic teams in ‘Coaches vs. Cancer,’ an event where each team sold t-shirts to raise money.
To donate to Brennan’s team, please visit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides website at makingstrides.acsevents.org and search for Stacy’s Warriors.
