Alpharetta High ‘Pink Out’ Supports Northside’s Breast Care Program

The cheerleaders, marching band and football boosters of Alpharetta High School recently presented Northside Hospital’s Breast Care Program with a check to help offset the cost of education, treatment and research for the hospital’s breast cancer patients.  The money was raised during the school’s annual “Pink Out” campaign and football game against the Lambert High School Longhorns on Oct. 25.

“It is inspiring to see how our Partner schools and students take a project and surpass all expectations,” said Freda Hardage, director of the Northside Hospital Foundation.  “Northside is grateful, once again, to Alpharetta High School for their generous support of our patients.”

Alpharetta’s annual Raider Pink Out Football Game began in 2011 as a way to celebrate and remember family and friends who have battled Breast Cancer.  At this year’s event, the school’s marching band began the night with a rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey during the pregame show.  While the school’s cheerleaders, trainers and mini-campers held hands surrounding the field, all wearing pink gloves, breast cancer survivors and honorees walked through the “the archway of honor.”  Each were greeted by Alpharetta High School’s principal, Shannon Kersey, and presented with a bouquet of flowers.  A school-produced video entitled “It’s Time” was shown on the jumbo-tron and featured the honorees, while the release of pink balloons symbolized the fight for the cure to beat the disease.

“The Pink Out event at Alpharetta High School was a true success from the hard work and dedication by many hands,” said Luanne Webb, chair of the school’s Pink Out event.  “This event could not have been done without the help of Alpharetta High School volunteers, PTA, cheerleaders, trainers, marching band, junior Raiders, AHS football staff and Alpharetta’s administrative staff.  Thank you to all!”

In the weeks leading up to the “Pink Out” game, students, staff and volunteers at Alpharetta High School worked tirelessly to sell “Think Raider Pink” T-shirts, socks and pom-poms to raise funds for a cure for breast cancer.  Several other local schools also got involved including Creek View Elementary, Webb Bridge Middle, Hopewell Middle, New Prospect Elementary and Lake Windward Elementary.  Combined with additional game night sales of pink popcorn megaphones (which sold out), a gift basket, as well as donations collected during the game, approximately $6,000 was raised for Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta Affiliate and Northside Hospital.

“It is so important to get the kids involved in raising awareness of breast cancer,” said Susan Casella, breast health coordinator at Northside Hospital.  “All it takes is for one mother, sister or aunt to see or hear the message of early detection and a life can be saved.”

Northside Hospital has been a Partner In Education with Alpharetta High School since the school opened in 2004.  In all, the school has raised more than $11,775 for the hospital’s Breast Care Program.

More cases of breast cancer are diagnosed and treated at Northside Hospital than at any other community hospital in the Southeast.  The hospital offers a complete range of services for patients including education, genetic counseling, imaging, radiation oncology, surgery, support, rehabilitation and more – covering every aspect of breast care.  For more information about supporting Northside Hospital, visit give.northside.com.