October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To commemorate, the Mount Paran Christian School HOPE Club placed an all-school emphasis on cancer awareness. Hope Club provides unity and support to students at MPCS who are experiencing or who have experienced cancer or a life-threatening illness or the loss of a loved one.
The school kicked things off with a special Blue & Black Bash Pre-Game Tailgate before the September 29 varsity home football game against B.E.S.T. Academy. Dubbed the “Tackle Cancer Pink-Out”, attendees were encouraged to don their pink apparel to raise awareness. During the game, Tackle Cancer prayer cards were placed in all the seats of Sewell Stadium. Fans were encouraged to write on the cards the name of a family member or friend facing cancer or illness. Cards were then held up during the game for a moment of prayer. After the game, the prayer cards were placed on display within the school building so that the MPCS community could continue to pray for those affected.
MPCS high school students also collected funds during the two-week initiative in honor of a fellow classmate battling Leukemia, with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta designated as the beneficiary. CHOA representative Pamela Younker received the check during high school chapel. HOPE Club sponsor and co-founder Tina Cantwell, herself a cancer survivor, led the inspiring chapel message, offering words of faith and encouragement to the students. Students and staff were also treated to special morning devotions full of reminders that there is always hope in Jesus and to trust in God’s plan, even in the midst of illness.
The Tackle Cancer initiative culminated with the first annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon for senior girls and guests, spearheaded by MPCS High School Counselor Amy Schwan and a volunteer committee, many of whom are themselves cancer survivors. Attendees heard important women’s health messages from Dr. Angel Paas, Kennesaw Gynecology, and Shannon Burke, Myriad Genetics, both of whom sponsored the luncheon. In all, the initiative was a time for embracing the power of prayer and community.
