Local high school soccer teams think pink for McKee Cancer Center

LOVELAND, Colo. (April 21, 2011) – Black/red and black/gold gave way to pink during a recent girls soccer game between Loveland and Thompson Valley high schools. The pink-themed game represented collaboration between the two teams to raise $250 for the McKee Cancer Center.

The LHS student athletes had seen other sports teams pull together benefits and decided they wanted to do something similar. They talked to members of the TVHS team, purchased pink shoelaces and tie-dyed pink and white t-shirts. Then, when the March 15 game was played, the players wore pink on their shoes and in their hair and took turns passing collection boxes through the stands. The girls took special pride in the fact that they took the lead on the project and that they could work with their cross-town rival.

Oncology social worker Gale Coddington told the girls she currently sees more financial need than ever before with patients seeking treatment at the cancer center. The money could be used for a number of things from prescriptions to medical equipment or even co-pays.

“It would be nice if you could see the relief on a patient’s face when they’re already struggling” and then they learn that financial assistance is available, said Bryan Stump, radiation oncology supervisor.