The coming together of two rivals doesn’t happen often but history was made this week in the Avalon gym. The Lady Eagles hosted the Lady Gladiators to a DIG PINK game. The common goal was to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research. That was achieved by being united against the battle of Breast Cancer-one team, one cause. And, of course, who can resist a great pink t-shirt?

According to the Susan G. Komen website, "About 192,370 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women in 2009. An estimated 40, 170 women will die from breast cancer. Also, about 1, 910 men will be diagnosed and 440 men will die of breast cancer during 2009 in the United States.

As screening programs have become more common, more cases of breast cancer are being found in earlier stages, when they are more easily and successfully treated. All women are at risk for breast cancer. The two most important risk factors for breast cancer are being female and getting older. The risk of getting breast cancer increases as you age. Most breast cancers and breast cancer deaths occur in women aged 50 and older. Until more is known about prevention breast cancer, early detection and effective treatment offer the best defense against breast cancer mortality."

Avalon High School and Italy High School may wear different colors and play for two different coaches when they take on opponents, but this week they donned pink and came together for the good of the two communities-one cause. DIG PINK is a district contest combined with a successful fundraiser.

Avalon was able to raise approximately $545 in gate sales, cancer awareness bracelets, t-shirts, concessions and individual donations. Italy added to the total with approximately $200 in donations.

Coach Tony Hernandez came up with this idea and called Coach Andi Windham with the prospective games. Both agreed it was a great idea.

AHS had about 7 local teachers on a committee to help with plans. Which, by the way, they already have ideas for next year’s festivities. Avalon teacher, Mrs. Ronola Shears, said, “All the kids were supportive. They have been awesome during all of the planning stages.”

Even the referees were just as faithful. Pam Fuchs, Hillsboro ref, and Angel Sims, Corsicanca ref, donated their time to such a worthy cause.

The Side-Out Foundation, a national 501 ©(3) located in the Washington DC area, has raised thousands of dollars for Breast Cancer research nationally through volleyball tournaments, clinics and rallies. Funds are currently devoted to targeted therapies and molecular profiling which is where there is a lot of research activity.

Their name underscores the purpose of the organization-Side-Out in volleyball occurs when one team wins a point while its opponent is serving, thereby regaining serve or control of play. Like wise in the war against Breast Cancer, the Side-Out Foundation will support health care professionals in their pursuit of practical solutions for women and men with this dreaded disease thus enabling those affected to regain control of their lives and living them to the fullest.

What are the signs of breast cancer? These signs are not the same for all women. In fact, some women have no signs that they can see.

• A lump, hard knot or thickening
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
• Change in breast size or shape
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot

If you see any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away.