Volleyball team hosts 'Dig Pink' awareness event tonight

Fort Scott High School volleyball will hold "Dig Pink" Night, an event designed to promote October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month when the Tigers host Independence and Labette County high schools in a volleyball triangular at 5 p.m. tonight in the FSHS gymnasium.

According to data by Kaiser State Health Facts, in 2006 Kansas ranked fifth highest in the U.S. among breast cancer incidences per 100,000 women -- well above the national average. Yet in 2008, Kansas women over age 50 report having fewer mammograms than the national norm.

Bringing this statistic closer to home, the team will recognize several breast cancer survivors: Tammy Claypool, FSMS Counselor; Tami Lawrence fourth-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary, and mother of Brianne Lawrence; Clara Schofield, Social Worker, Mercy Hospital, sister of FSHS head coach Carol Bingesser; Tracey Altic, wife of Doug Altic, FSHS counselor; Rose Troth, Grandmother of Kori Allen; and LaVon Middleton, Grandmother of Kelsey Middleton.

"All of these women are proof that with courage, personal strength, and support from friends and family as well as knowledgeable medical providers, the battle can be won," Bingesser said.

"We are very proud to honor these women who are very near and dear to the hearts of our volleyball team. We feel very passionate about supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month and promoting all women to take part in becoming more aware of the dangers of this disease," she added.

This fall, thousands of teams from around the country will be participating in the Dig Pink National Breast Cancer Awareness Rally. High school and college teams will promote breast health education by wearing pink to symbolize their support to eradicate this disease.

Mercy Health Center donated shirts for the team, coaches and managers as well the team's special honorees.

Other area teams that will host "Dig Pink" Night include Fort Scott Community College, Pleasanton High School, Jayhawk-Linn High School and Northeast High School in Arma.

Uniontown High School hosted a "Dig Pink" night on September 21 with Northeast as one of the participants.

In conjunction with Breast Center Awareness Month, the health center is gearing up for a 24-hour mammogram marathon on Thursday, Oct. 21 when women can receive their annual mammogram around the clock.

"We invite women who are due for a mammogram to join us for a full-day celebration with giveaways and 'Cake at 8'...p.m. that is," explained Becky Williams, Director of Imaging Services, explained. "Even if you are a woman whose mammogram is not due, we encourage you care for your best friend by ensuring she has an appointment and bringing her to the event."

To schedule a mammogram, call Mercy Health Center Radiology Department at (620) 223-7015.