Est. 1879
Pink-out becomes annual event Teacher credits support from students in aiding recovery from cancer
by Mallory Thompson The night sky once again flooded with hundreds of pink balloons at the start of the second annual pink-out football game Friday. With fans, parents, cheerleaders, players and coaches sporting pink attire, it seemed as though there had been a sudden change of school colors. This year, Student Council attempted to make the pink-out bigger and better than the last. Members sold pink jerseys, wristbands and even had a pink-out day at school. Most importantly, they had more balloons, releasing nearly 700
more than last year in the effort to raise awareness of breast cancer. “We hope to make this another wonderful Lawrence High tradition,” said J’Qui Audena, a senior and student body president. The football stadium was “a sea of pink” last year during the first pink-out — an event prompted when family and consumer science teacher Shannon Wilson was diagnosed with breast cancer. “We found out Ms. Wilson was diagnosed and asked, ‘What could we do?’” Audena said. Wilson’s students, along with Student Council, made the school’s first attempt to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month by organizing a pink-out for one of the home football games. “It was excellent for being the first year,” said Wilson, who took part this year as a cancer survivor. “Everybody bought into it.” Profit from last year’s pink-out was more
Lawrence High School, 1901 Louisiana St. Lawrence, KS 66046
than $1,000 dollars. All proceeds went toward breast cancer research. Wilson, the main inspiration for the event, said she was “overwhelmed with compassion.” From August to December, Wilson went through chemotherapy and mastectomy and reconstruction surgeries. The support from students and staff throughout the first semester was “absolutely everything,” Wilson said. Were it not for her students, Wilson said she would have struggled. “The kids distracted me from thinking about it,” she said. “There were very few times I felt sad or depressed because of all the support from LHS.” The care and concern changed Wilson in more ways than one. Aside from the appreciation of good health and a daily pink item added to her wardrobe, Wilson said, “When someone else is sick, it makes me want to reach out to them.”
Shannon Wilson, a family and consumer science teacher, helps sell pink goods at the pink-out game to help raise money for the fight against breast cancer. Photo by Mallory Thompson One of the most important changes for Wilson could be her realization that “most cancers can be managed.” “Don’t be afraid," she said. “It’s not a death sentence.” The support not only changed Wilson’s outlook, but also played a significant role in her recovery. “I didn’t realize how much emotional support helps your physical wellness,” Wilson said. “You need people to make you laugh.” While she is still taking medicine, Wilson believes she has recovered. “I couldn’t have done it if I didn’t work here,” Wilson said. Vol. 122, Issue 3, Oct. 26, 2011