The Hamilton Heights girls junior varsity and varsity basketball teams will trade in their orange for pink jerseys as they take to the court against the Westfield Shamrocks this Saturday, Dec. 9 on their home court beginning at noon.
“Pink Out for Breast Cancer” has been created and is expected to be an annual event to help raise awareness and money for those battling breast cancer. Last year alone, it was estimated that there would be over 276,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as over 48,500 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
The event was the brainchild of Hamilton Heights senior Jillian Osswald, also a captain of the varsity girls basketball team. Osswald, who has been touched by friends and family battling breast cancer, said she felt a calling to do something to help. She involved her teammates to create not just an event but what she hopes will become a tradition for the Lady Huskies basketball program. Despite the impact of the pandemic and changes it brought with it, she was undeterred and diligently worked behind the scenes to raise money and prepare for this event.
“I felt I needed to do something and that I could do something to make a difference,” Osswald said, who named her mother, a nurse at Hamilton Heights, as her inspiration. “I have personally known some girls, not that much older than me, that are battling this devastating disease. It takes a big toll physically, emotionally and financially. I wanted to help in some way.”
Last fall, Osswald organized the pre-sale of pink packets which included a commemorative pink T-shirt, face covering, and rubber bracelet for attendees to wear at the event. She helped secure Beaver Materials as the event sponsor. In this capacity, Beaver Materials provided the funding to purchase 25 sets of pink uniforms to wear at the “Pink Out for Breast Cancer” game, pink game ball, and 300 pink rubber ducks for a shot at one of three prizes.
In addition, Osswald selected IWIN Foundation, based in Indianapolis, to receive 100 percent of the proceeds from the T-shirt and duck sales. IWIN has been supporting individuals statewide receiving treatment for breast cancer by relieving emotional, physical and financial burdens and much more for more than two decades. The basis of the IWIN Program is to give these courageous individuals the strength to endure treatment, empower them to continue their fight against breast cancer, and place them on the path to survivorship.
Half time events will include a public show of support and recognition for local warriors who have or are currently battling breast cancer along with the chuck a duck competition. Up to three lucky ducks will net one of three prizes donated by local businesses – a $50 gift certificate from Erika’s Place and 10 West in Cicero and $50 in cash from Jeff McCorkle at Farmers Mutual Insurance Agency in Tipton.
While attendance at this game is limited to 25 percent, it is Osswald’s hope that those who can attend will wear pink with pride to show their support in the spirit of this recognition and awareness event.