Thinking pink: Colonels host event to raise breast cancer awareness

By Brian Eller -- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WINCHESTER -- Cady Schaffer still remembers how she felt when she found out her mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

"I was completely shocked because I was a kid," Schaffer said, "And when I found out I was heartbroken, because the thought goes through my mind that if I get it, ...but [the experience] made us a lot stronger."

It's been four years since her mother, Diana, overcame her battle with breast cancer, and Tuesday night she got to watch her daughter lead the James Wood volleyball team to a 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-16) sweep of Handley as the school hosted 'Dig Pink,' a national breast cancer awareness rally that takes place throughout the month of October.

"It's awesome because number one it's to raise awareness for breast cancer and you start at a young age," Diana Schaffer said. "I had a mammogram done at 42 and they found a spot, and thank God they caught it early, so when they asked for volunteers for this, of course I stepped up to the plate and wanted to help out." Although the night included two high school volleyball teams on the court, the match itself became a backdrop to the celebration and support for breast cancer awareness. The Colonels' school colors of blue and gold were drowned out in a sea of pink, as the gymnasium boasted pink banners, balloons and posters. Fans in attendance donned pink T-shirts, while both Handley and James Wood's squads swapped their usual uniforms for pink and white ones, complete with pink headbands and shoelaces, all in support for 'Dig Pink.'

The Colonels' uniforms also featured the name of a different person who has been affected by breast cancer, giving the players a chance to commemorate a family member or friend of their choice. Naturally Schaffer's No. 2 uniform was complete with "Mommy" on the back, showing support for the person Cady says she's become so close with over the past few years.

"She's been struggling for four years, but she's a survivor," Cady Schaffer said. "It's completely gone and she loves support for breast cancer. Anything she can do she'll do it."

Following players introductions, those in attendance who had either survived or are currently battling breast cancer were asked to stand and be recognized. Before anyone could stand up, the gymnasium erupted with applause, as those close by embraced in support.

As the match got under way, it was clear the electric and uplifting atmosphere had sparked the Colonels, as they raced out to a 17-5 lead in the first set, with all five of the Judges' points coming off of errors by James Wood. From there the Colonels coasted to a 25-17 win to take a one-set advantage.

In the second set the momentum continued for the Colonels. After falling behind 5-4, James Wood went on a 10-3 run, giving them a six-point cushion. The Colonels wouldn't trail again as they took the second set, 25-18. Ahead by two sets, the Colonels wasted no time in taking a 14-5 lead in the third set, then riding the emotion and crowd support to a three-set sweep.

"I think tonight the girls played with a lot of emotion," James Wood coach Jill Lester said, "And we knew we were playing for a cause greater than Northwestern District Volleyball. We were playing for breast cancer and the survivors in attendance tonight. And I think the girls knew that, and I think the girls came out and played with a lot of heart."

For the second straight match, junior Emily Shannon led the Colonels with 11 kills, while Hannah Tierney added nine kills and one block of her own. Senior Carly Mullin led the way with 25 assists, and Schaffer finished with a team-high eight digs in the victory.

After the match, the once sea of pink became a tidal wave, as players and parents came together in the bleachers and on the court to celebrate both the Colonels' win, as well as the $2,514 raised on the evening. For Diana Schaffer, she knows how tough battling breast cancer is, but knows she is not alone in the fight.

"Everything's looking good," she said. "I'm four years out. I'm still on medication. I've had my ups and downs. I've had surgeries and bumps on the way, but it's one step closer to my five-year mark. ...I told [Cady] that cancer does not mean death, and to remain positive and do a lot of research. I just have an outlook on life that one day there's going to be a cure for cancer."