Darien Girls Volleyball Digs Pink!

By Kate Fitzmaurice

October is breast cancer awareness month and all over, people are showing their support by displaying pink in their homes or businesses and sporting pink apparel. Darien Girls Volleyball also took action by hosting the fourth annual Dig Pink® game.

The team played Westhill on Friday, October 12^th to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Because of the high-spirited players and the help of the enthusiastic crowd, Darien beat Westhill with final scores of 25-18, 21-25, 25-16 and 25-12. “Both teams looked pumped,” senior Michaela Brady said.

The crowd on the Darien side was a wave of pink. People of all ages came out to celebrate this cause, and to cheer on the Darien Girls Volleyball team.

The players have been raising money through bake sales and selling tickets in the hopes of reaching their goal of $1,000.

Dig Pink® is a fundraiser sponsored by the Side-Out foundation.  High schools, middle schools, and colleges all over the country hold these events in order to raise awareness about breast cancer. All proceeds from the event go to the Side-Out foundation, which gives grants to medical research organizations.

The Side-Out Foundation was founded in 2004 by Rick Dunetz, shortly after his mom was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. At the time Rick was coaching West Springfield High School. When the team found out about Rick’s mom they were determined to raise her spirits and won a game against their rivals in her honor. The team went on to win the district championship title! The goal for the foundation continues to strive to unite volleyball players in the fight against breast cancer.

According to the Side-Out Foundation, “The term side-out refers to a situation in volleyball when one team wins a point while its opponent is serving, thereby regaining serve or control of play. It is hoped that this Side-Out will do the same for breast cancer patients, providing them with the support, education and best available treatments to regain control of their lives.”

“Funds donated to Side-Out are donated primarily to breast cancer research, specifically translational research (designed to reach the patient's bedside as quickly as possible).” Special projects coordinator for the Side-Out foundation, Julie Matthews, said. The foundation also sends funds to organizations that work to provide support for cancer patients and their families.

“We hope Dig Pink® events will inspire students to take an active role in their communities.” Matthews said. “We also hope the events remind players, coaches and fans to be cognizant of their own health and to take steps to achieve a healthy lifestyle.”

If you would like to donate to the Side-Out foundation, please visit their website at http://www.side-out.org

Come support Darien Girls Volleyball in their next game, away this Monday against Danbury at 5:30pm.

Above: Fans at Dig Pink celebrate with team members after their game