It was a cold night in Fort Thomas. As you walk into the stadium you see every row of bleachers filled with fans. Instead of seeing the fans wearing blue and white, you see nothing but pink. 

Last Friday, the Highlands Football team hosted the annual pink-out game at David Cecil Memorial Stadium against the Boone County Rebels.

This game supports the Breast Cancer organization Chicks & Chucks, which helps local breast cancer patients and their loved ones. This organization was founded 17 years ago by breast cancer survivor, Cathy Halloran.   

Halloran said “Chicks & Chucks is an all-volunteer nonprofit. We are celebrating our 17 years of CHICKNESS and we choose to make a difference in the lives of local breast cancer patients, past, present, and for those who may receive a diagnosis in the future.” 

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is never easy to hear and it changes someone’s life. Each year in the United States, about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,400 in men.

Halloran said, “I would NEVER want anyone to walk this journey, but I will strongly admit, my diagnosis has enabled me to be closer to GOD, a voice for those who feel hopeless and a resource for those struggling with financial and emotional needs.” 

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) sells shirts to raise money on behalf of Chicks & Chucks. This year they raised a substantial amount of money.  

This year, the game also supported Campbell County Cheerleader Ava Markus. Both the cheer and dance teams paid their respects at the game by wearing accessories such as pins and ribbons to honor her.   

Although the pink out game gives students and fans the ability to wear their pink attire, it also gives them the privilege to honor those who have survived their journey of breast cancer.  

Math Teacher Stacy Behernsmeyer said, “The Pink-Out game offers an opportunity for the school to raise awareness about the impact of Breast Cancer in our community. Not only will it provide a spotlight on those who have suffered through a diagnosis of Breast Cancer, but hopefully, it will encourage women to get regular mammograms and get ahead of this disease. 

Behernsmeyer is a breast cancer survivor and was diagnosed in September 2021. 

She went through surgery and treatment, which was the best decision she says she has ever made. 

“I am healthy now and quite thankful for the support and advice of my doctors and other caregivers,” Behernsmeyer said. 

The Birds had a victorious win over the Rebels with a final score of 50-0. They play this Friday, October 14th, at Covington Catholic Highschool.