Big Red Community to 'Think Pink' on Oct. 28
Twelve years ago, breast cancer hit close to home for Belton High School cheerleaders when a team member’s mom passed away from the disease.
The following year, then-coach Elayne Kaufmann and her team wanted to honor cheer mom Sherry Harper. They decided to raise money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, and the Think Pink Go Red initiative was born.
“It was really a way for the team to make meaning of the grief they felt for their fellow cheerleader, Libby, who had lost her mom,” said Kristin Hennage, BHS’ varsity cheer coach. “Her passing made breast cancer a reality for those young ladies.”
The current squad is continuing the tradition this year by selling “Think Pink Go Red” shirts. They can be purchased during lunch periods at BHS and at home athletic events.
“I am thankful my team is able to continue donating money to find a cure for breast cancer, a disease so many are affected by,” Hennage said. “Our cheerleaders enjoy participating in such a worthy cause and keeping Sherry Harper’s memory alive.”
Since its inception in 2011, BHS cheerleaders have raised over $100,000 thanks to the generosity of supporters across the Big Red Community.
“We appreciate our community supporting us every year in order to raise the funds to donate,” Hennage said. “As a graduate of BHS myself, I am honored to continue this tradition.”
The money raised is donated to the Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center to help fund cancer research. A check will be presented to a representative at the Oct. 28 varsity football game against Chaparral High School.