Students raise awareness for breast cancer

Every October Armstrong Middle School celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Week, a week that has been near and dear to Armstrong since 2007. The week, held October 4-8 this year, is held in the memory of teaching assistant Geri Marell who lost her battle with breast cancer in March of 2007.

More than 750 Armstrong students plus staff members participated this year. Activities included a kick-off breast cancer awareness assembly in the gym, ribbon signing in the cafeteria, selling awareness bracelets and writing short essays.

The week culminated on Friday, October 8, with an hour-long Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. Students and staff dressed in pink to show their commitment to breast cancer awareness and walked around Armstrong’s track and parking lots to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

“Breast cancer can affect anyone and every family in some way,” said Armstrong teaching assistant Kathy Cook-Lyle, one of the main organizers of the fundraising effort. “Learning to be kind and empathetic is a valuable life lesson that students learn throughout the week, and coming together for one common cause can really make a difference.”

After the walk, Armstrong Middle School raised $1,800 and will continue to collect donations through the end of October. All proceeds will be sent to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in honor of Geri Marell.