Nazareth Academy's Breast Cancer Awareness Game a Success

The Nazareth Academy varsity girls lacrosse team's determination on Saturday at Nazareth to fight against breast cancer drove them to a win 12-6 against Fenwick High School. A crowd of about 100 people helped the Roadrunners come together to raise more than $1,000 for the Gilda’s Club, an organization located in Chicago supporting breast cancer patients and their families and friends. 

The team wanted to double up their victories, raising money for the Gilda’s Club and achieving success on the field, which was the ultimate outcome, said head coach Jake Padilla.

Even before the game started, the girls surpassed their goal of raising $500 for Gilda’s Club, Withrow said.

Gilda’s Club began in 1998 by providing support groups, informational lectures, and social activities for them for those affected by breast cancer, said Jessica Withrow, the team's assistant coach.

 “We did breast cancer because it affects a lot of people. We wanted do something a lot of people would feel connected to,” said team captains Dulie Herr and Brianne Mahoney. “Our team felt strongly about it. It’s touched each and every one of our lives.”

The team’s main priority was to raise money for the Gilda’s Club, which included the girls coming up with an event and fundraisers. For three months, the team worked on organizing the event.

Their work included asking local store owners for donations for a raffle and selling pink cupcakes at school. And they advertised the game through volunteering at the local food pantry, Herr and Mahoney said.

At the game, volunteers sold raffle tickets and pink cupcakes and other desserts to help raise more. Prizes included Sox and Cubs tickets, a Rocco and Rocco Salon gift card, an Angelo’s Pizza gift card and a Moondance Diner gift card.

“I hope this is something we can do every year.  The girls have been awesome [and] they really enjoyed doing it,” Withrow said.