Laurel Mortenson at the 2022 Pink-Out Game. Photo by Annie Willis.
Fall is here! With autumn leaves and pumpkin spice season approaching we also celebrate October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. Every year for the occasion, Watauga High School does an annual pink-out-themed football game. As we highlight an important cause, we also highlight a local nonprofit called The High Country Breast Cancer Foundation (HCBCF). They have been helping breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families for the past six years.
Irene Sawyer founded the High Country Breast Cancer Foundation. She is a local realtor who works for Keller Williams. Sawyer is an 11-year breast cancer survivor who beat an aggressive form of the disease.
“I wanted to do something for the community, to pay it forward,” said Sawyer. “You kind of feel an obligation when someone tells you you have a 30% chance you’re going to be alive next year, and once you know you’re going to make it you’re like ‘I can't just sit here.’”
Their hardworking efforts have been a source of comfort for people struggling. It has impacted many people in the seven-county area.
“I also wanted to honor the women that came before me that had horrible surgeries and horrible chemotherapy, and because of what they did, my medicine was great” said Sawyer.
Joanie Venza is the Vice President of the organization. She is a 16-year breast cancer survivor and says she is honored to be a part of the efforts to help fight breast cancer in the community.
“The foundation gives back 100% to the community, to breast cancer patients and their families. 100%," said Venza. "There are no fees for a president or any expenses.”
HCBCF’s values are integrity, wholeheartedness, and service. All expenses are paid for out of pocket by Sawyer to ensure that donations go straight from the donor to the client.
“I love how we plan all the activities, that’s the fun part,” said Venza.
HCBCF events are filled with pink tents, ribbons, and tutus. You may see them around town this October. Their annual 5k will be on October 28th in Blowing Rock. Registration information can be found on their website.
“We were the first non-profit to bring a mammogram bus to Watauga County," said Venza. "We’re the only one who pays 100% of the Paxman scalp cooling.”
The Paxman scalp cooling freezes your hair follicles to help keep your hair during chemotherapy sessions. As hair loss can be a traumatic and devastating part of fighting breast cancer, the Paxman cooling system can really help people keep some of their sense of self.
Let’s use this October to educate ourselves, spread awareness, and be supportive. We can start with the pink-out game!
At the last annual pink-out game, Laurel Mortensen painted her entire body pink for the occasion.
“I got pink face paint from Ulta, and I was just going to do stripes on my face," said Mortensen. "But then I decided to do my whole face. But then we got to the game and just started painting my whole entire body."
The Pink-out game is the only game that promotes a charitable cause. Breast Cancer is a cause that is very near and dear to many people. About 1 in 8 women get breast cancer at some point in their life.
“I really like that we have a pink out game because it’s promoting a good cause (Breast Cancer Awareness) and everyone gets so hyped for it,” said Mortensen. “Breast Cancer Awareness Month is really important to me because my Grandma had it. She went through five years of chemo-therapy and all these treatments.”
“I’m so excited for this year's game, I might go more all out than last year,” said Mortensen.
The Pink Out game is on Friday, October 6th. Be sure to show up and show your support!
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