On the same day, the grandmother of twins Selena and Stephanie Iglesias -- members of the New Albany girls’ varsity team -- will undergo surgery to have a breast removed due to the disease.
Marcella Clements said she was “amazed” that her doctor chose the date of the game for the surgery.
“I think it is God's way of giving me hope while allowing me to share my story with others, possibly giving them hope as well,” said Clements. “Breast cancer is a disease that affects many people and because of fundraisers like this, doctors have made progress over the years.
“This game and what it stands for allows young people to see how they can help others and I think it is wonderful to see how the school supports giving back to the community.”
It’s a stark reminder, if one is needed, that breast cancer affects almost everyone in one way or another, be it directly, through a family member, or through a friend.
Rhonda Iglesias, Clements’ daughter and the twins’ mother, will represent all those affected by breast cancer from the New Albany team, while Floyd Central will also have its own representative this evening.
Action from last year's inaugural Passionately Pink game, held at Floyd Central.
The game between the two local rivals, entitled Passionately Pink for the Cure, is expected to bring out a big crowd. It will be preceded by a boys’ varsity game between the two schools (5.30 p.m.), and gate proceeds will go towards the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, which said 75 per cent of the money raised for the charity stays in the local area. Donations will also be taken at the venue.
The Bulldogs will be suited up in hot pink t-shirts and white socks, while the Highlanders will be wearing light pink t-shirts and socks. Corporate sponsorship has been secured from local businesses to purchase the jerseys for both teams.
In support of Youth Soccer Month, recreation teams from both Southern Indiana United and Net-Surfers have been invited to parade out with New Albany and Floyd Central ahead of the game.
The boys’ teams, meanwhile, will be wearing pink warm-up shirts for their games, and it is expected that they will become full partners for the third annual game next year. Both teams want to join the cause as the disease affects both women and men.
Last year, about $650 was raised. New Albany coach Julie Deuser said they are expecting to make a lot more money this time round.
In fact, the organizers said they are aiming to exceed $2,000, as a number of other events have already been held, including fundraising car washes at Ideal Fitness and Jacobi's gas station, as well as an all-you-can-eat Krispy Kreme donut breakfast at Mt. Tabor School last Saturday.
“I have a great group of parents who have been working hard at fundraising,” said Deuser. “We have several sponsors and donors this year, which is really great. The girls are excited to play and we hope there is a big crowd to not only support us, but also this worthy cause.”
Deuser got the idea from her own high school team, East Jessamine, which played its cross town rival West Jessamine two years ago in a successful fundraising game entitled Rivals with a Cause. When she spoke with Floyd Central coaches, they were very interested and excited to be involved.
New Albany, with a 4-4 record after losing 2-1 to Seymour last Thursday, has been trying to cope with the loss of Kayton Cole, a two time member of Kick It’s Team of the Season, due to an ACL and MCL tear which will see her sidelined for nine months.
“We are really young and trying to adjust to new positions,” said Deuser. “Losing Kayton has caused us to mix up the lineup and have girls try new positions. With each game we are gaining more and more confidence. I am really proud of how hard the girls are working.”
Goalkeeper Taylor Briscoe has, in particular, stood out and Deuser said she has had “an unbelievable season” so far.
“She has grown so much as a goalie over the last few years,” she said. “She is truly the anchor to our defense.”
Floyd Central has a 6-3-2 record following a 3-3 tie with Seymour on Tuesday. In the past week the Highlanders also lost 2-1 to Providence and drew 1-1 with Columbus East.
