Lady Broncos dedicate match for cancer awareness

As cancer continues to be one of the top 10 causes of death in America, victims of the disease often reach for support from family and friends. Those who have had loved ones diagnosed with cancer understand the importance of moral and community support during a time of need and recovery.

The Lady Broncos showcased their support for the victims, survivors and family members of people diagnosed with the disease during their home non-league game against ACH on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Senior Tessa Jantz said her and a few members of the team first thought of the idea when their summer dance instructor, Mary Katherine Sackmann-Nicholson was rediagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Tessa Jantz, Tessa O’Brien, Erica Leffel and Alarah Pierce-Pulliam have been students of Nicholson’s since they were toddlers, said Jantz. Being seniors, the previous summer served as Jantz and Leffel’s last year dancing with their beloved instructor.

O’Brien said the girls wanted to honor their teacher and provide community support for the one person who has always supported them.

“She’s not just a dance teacher, she played a part in raising us,” Jantz explained.

The girls said throughout the years they have witnessed the physical and emotional toll the disease has had on Nicholson. Despite her constant fight with her health, Nicholson has never failed to put on a smile and encourage her students through dance.

They first came up with the idea to wear teal shoelaces, which is the designated color for ovarian cancer, said O’Brien. When they approached their teammates with the idea, they decided they wanted to honor breast cancer victims as well due to October being breast cancer awareness month.

The team decided to wear pink and teal tie-dyed shirts to represent both types of cancer.

Jantz, O’Brien and Leffel said they all have loved ones who have been diagnosed with breast cancer so the event meant a lot for them and their families. They expressed their gratitude for having the opportunity to show their support for a beloved mentor and their family members through volleyball.

The Lady Broncos encouraged community members attending the event to wear pink or teal to support their cause. Jantz and O’Brien said they were astounded by the amount of people who participated in the theme.

The level of community pride caused Jantz to be speechless as she walked into the event and witnessed a sea of pink and teal attire.

The girls said they could not have been happier with the participation from Tuesday’s event.

Before the match began, Jantz spoke about the positive influence Nicholson continues to be for many of the athletes on the team. She said Nicholson inspired the team to host the event and support all those affected by the disease.

As Jantz spoke about the emotional toll cancer has on friends and family members, the Lady Broncos and community members let emotions show as they relived personal experiences with the terrible disease. Choked up with emotion, Jantz thanked the community for turning out in force to support the cause and to unite in the fight against cancer.

Despite the intense emotions included in Tuesday night’s event, the atmosphere remained positive as the team was presented with new pink jerseys to wear throughout the month of October. The jerseys will reflect the team’s immense support for cancer victims everywhere they play for the next month.

During the match, the team sold t-shirts to raise money for the volleyball program and cancer research. Overall, the team raised around $3,000 for their cause.

The girls said they admire their community for their participation in the event. Jantz explained they hope to inspire others to showcase their support for people who are positive influences in their lives during hard times.