Dig Pink Volleyball Today; Coach Is Cancer Survivor

October 6, 2011

High school volleyball teams from Northview and Flomaton will meet on the court in Bratt this afternoon to raise awareness and aid breast cancer research.

For one coach, today’s Dig Pink games will be especially meaningful.

Northview Assistant Coach Barbara Luker is a breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed in 2001, Luker has beaten the disease. Last year, she was among the organizers of the first Dig Pink matchup between Northview and Flomaton.

“It means a lot to see them out here playing for the cause,” Luker said. “But it means so much more to know they have learned a lot this week about breast cancer and how to get checked.”

In fact, Luker said, some of the girls learned during last year’s event that breast cancer has already stricken some of their classmates.

“It’s a much more common thing than most people realize,” she said. “I’m so glad they have had the opportunity to learn about it.”

The Dig Pink games will take place this afternoon with the Flomaton and Northview  junior varsity playing at 5:00 and the varsity at 6:00 in the Northview High School gym. Survivors will be admitted for free and a survivor’s hospitality room will be provided.

Everyone that attends the games is encouraged to wear pink as both volleyball teams wear pink in an attempt to “pink out” the gym.

Donations are also accepted online at the Dig Pink website.

Pictured top: Northview High School Assistant volleyball coach Barbara Luker, a breast cancer survivor, at last year’s Dig Pink breast cancer awareness matches against Flomaton. Pictured inset: Dig Pink volleyball action from last year. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

3 Responses to “Dig Pink Volleyball Today; Coach Is Cancer Survivor”

  1. digpink on October 11th, 2011 10:36 am

    Thank you, Northview and Flomaton High Schools!! Your dedication to this cause reminds all of us here at The Side-Out Foundation about the meaning behind Dig Pink® and the importance of educating communities.

    I hope your event last week was a wonderful celebration, especially for Coach Luker.

    Julie Matthews
    Special Projects Coordinator
    The Side-Out Foundation

  2. letsgohunting on October 6th, 2011 10:07 am

    This is a great thing that the girls are doing here. It brings awareness to them for early detection, and to the community as well. I am 49 and was told I had breast cancer at the age of 37. This disease has no age limits, boundaries. Does not care what race you are, or where you come from. But thru early detection, I was spared from chemo, just had the surgery and radiation. I am a strong advocate for early detection. The younger the better. So hats off to this program, and getting the word out, and fighting for the cure.

  3. twicebreastsurvivor-Jay on October 6th, 2011 8:08 am

    Way to go girls and thanks to all of you, for playing for such a worthy cost. Making everyone aware of breast cancer is needed and we thank girls like each of you for making it known. I am a twice breast cancer survivor, without research and the good Lord I wouldn’t be alive today!! Keep up the good work, hats off to the Dig Pink teams and congratulations to Coach Barbara for being a survivor also,

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive