Bradley school goes pink for breast cancer awareness
Staff raise $300 for American Cancer Society
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bradley Elementary School hosted its first Annual Breast Cancer Parade on Friday, Oct. 17.
In addition to the parade, staff was asked to contribute $5, instead of the typical $2 given on Dress Down Jean Day, toward a Team Bradley donation to the American Cancer Society. Through those efforts, Team Bradley was able to raise $300. Jennifer Lefthand of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Eastern Division of the American Breast Cancer Society, Inc. was on hand to accept the contribution.
“We hope our support will raise awareness and funds that help people reduce their risk of cancer, provide free programs for breast cancer patients and fund groundbreaking breast cancer research,” said Principal Thea Jackson.
In true Team Bradley style, students and staff created their own unique, pink tributes — from hair dyed pink to specially-designed signs — in recognition of the event. Parents and grandparents also got in on the act by participating in the parade around the block.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is extra special to Jackson, who walked in memory of her sister, Michelle Lynn Jackson, who lost her battle to cancer on March 12, 2009, at the age of 33.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” she said. “Our walk today is just the beginning of our dedication toward finding a cure that will promote more birthdays.”
In spite of the great number the disease is claiming, scores more are winning the battle, thanks in part to early detection and improvements in treatments. One such survivor is fifth-grade teacher Lisa Chiarello-Mills. The nine-year breast cancer survivor typically participates in the New York walk each year, but was unable to do so this year. Bradley Elementary’s march gave Chiarello-Mills an opportunity to show her gratitude for being able to celebrate another birthday.
[Click on image to enlarge. Photos provided courtesy of Chanta L. Jackson, communications coordinator for Asbury Park Schools.]
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