Huntley High School Donates Funds for Breast Cancer Awareness

 last year not only touched her son, Tyler, but also his  basketball team.

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This year, the team reached out to help others fighting breast cancer.

The  boys basketball team and Athletic Director Bruce Blumer donated 38 gas gift cards, totaling $950, to the McHenry County Department of Health’s Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.

“Huntley’s contribution will help facilitate screenings, diagnostic tests and/or treatment for low-income women who lack the resources to get regular screenings,” McHenry County Department of Health Administrator Patrick J. McNulty said. “For many women, the inability to afford gas for a car becomes a barrier to accessing care. We accept this donation on their behalf.”

The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program has made a significant impact on the lives of many low-income, uninsured or underinsured women in McHenry County. The program is provided at no cost to those who qualify (women ages 35 to 64 with no insurance). Since 2008, it has served 2,835 women with 476 breast and 98 cervical abnormalities. Additional tests were done on the abnormalities, with 29 breast and nine cervical cancers found. All were linked for treatment.

The team and  students and faculty raised the funds by selling “Pink Out” T-shirts. Anyone who purchased a $10 T-shirt was admitted to the game for free.

Students Alexandra Beaudette, Nicholas Beaudette, Leah Lowenstein and Kasey Melendy were among other students and staff who helped raise $950 in T-shirt sales.

During the announcement of the starting lineup of players, the gymnasium’s lights were lowered as the crowd waved pink glow sticks.

Blumer said the school and team hopes to continue the “Pink Out” fundraiser next year.

Recently, Blumer saw Robin Bruschon and her son, Tyler, at a basketball game and said the family is doing well.

For more information on McHenry County’s breast and cervical cancer program, contact the McHenry County Department of Health at 1-815-334-0232 or visit the health department’s website.