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Students Support Breast Cancer Awareness Through Donation

A group of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College students, including Supporting Scholars, Women’s Volleyball players, and members of the Cheer Club, held a “Pink Out” fundraiser to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness on October 15, 2024. 

The event coincided with the final home game of the Women’s Volleyball team, where students engaged in various activities such as hanging posters, hosting a bake sale, and selling bracelets, ribbons, and shirts. Demonstrating their commitment to the cause, the volleyball team donned pink jerseys during the game. 

Through these efforts, the students raised $360.28, which was donated to the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center in Windber, PA. The Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center is renowned for its proactive breast cancer care, employing risk-reduction techniques and early detection and treatment to provide exceptional care to individuals in the Johnstown and Windber area. 

“The students spent nearly two weeks preparing for the event so we could have a successful fundraiser and raise awareness for breast cancer,” stated Nicole Wright, Student Services Assistant. “It makes the students even more engaged knowing that it is going to such a worthy cause.” 

This initiative comes at a crucial time, as the National Breast Cancer Foundation reports that over 360,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. However, advances in early detection methods and ongoing support have significantly improved survival rates, with a 99 percent five-year relative survival rate when breast cancer is detected in its earliest stages.