With fall just around the corner, October shortly follows, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month. According to breastcancer.org, approximately one in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in  her lifetime. With breast cancer being so common, many events are coordinated to raise funds for the cause. 

The Saint Viator community participates in several different fundraisers. One of the larger fundraisers is an event endorsed by the girls’ volleyball program, Volley for the Cure.

September 8 marked the 8th annual Volley for the Cure. At the event, Saint Viator and Vernon Hills High School play an exhibition match. Along with the volleyball game, there is a silent auction, a bake sale and a t-shirt sale for the student body to help add to the fundraising. Every year, this match is held at either Saint Viator or Vernon Hills.

Saint Viator has earned a winning streak against Vernon Hills in the past, adding this year’s win to the list. The Saint Viator Lions crushed the Vernon Hills Cougars, defeating them in only two sets. The gym was decked out in every shade of pink imaginable through meaningful signs, banners, streamers and balloons. Many students and fans dressed in pink and came out to see the game, supporting the girls and the cause by participating in the silent auction, buying t-shirts and stocking up on treats from the bake sale. Since the very first Volley for the Cure event, Saint Viator and Vernon Hills have raised about $35,000.

This event is not only important for its fundraising purposes. Many people feel a deep connection to this event because of their own individual experiences. 

“Volley for the Cure is near and dear to my heart,” said girls’ volleyball coach Charlie Curtin. “My mom passed away [from breast cancer] when I was 12 years old. [This] event allows me to reflect on all of the positive and fun things my family did before her passing, all while honoring her life.”

Since breast cancer is so common, so many people know or have known someone, whether they are a friend or family member, who has been affected by the disease.

Senior Colleen Williams has participated in the event for four years.

“I love the school spirit at the game as everyone comes, wears pink and fundraises for such a great and personal cause for many people at Viator,” said Williams.

“As a senior, this has been one of my favorite volleyball memories because we can raise money and awareness for [breast cancer] while playing the sport I love,” said Claire Williams, a senior on the varsity volleyball team, who has also participated in Volley for the Cure all four years.