Dressed in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Valley Breeze Staff Writer

LINCOLN - It seemed that wherever you looked last Friday at Lincoln Middle School, someone was sporting the color pink. Some got decked out to the nines in pink clothing. Some wore pink on their feet: Think socks and flips flops.

Whether it was the outline of a pink ribbon on their cheeks or toting pink pocketbooks or lunch bags, they attracted attention.

As she has for five previous years, Joy Maselli, a reading specialist at the school, organized a Pink Day for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Students, teachers and staff were asked to dress in pink and give a donation to the cause.

This year's event raised $250. All proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly known as The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Since its inception in 1982, more than $1.3 billion has been raised for research, education and health services.

Holding such a school event is "very personal to me," said Maselli, who said friends and relatives have been touched by cancer. Two faculty members at the school are currently touched by it, said Maselli, who is a member of one of the highest fund-raising teams for the Gloria Gemma 5K and for the American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Walk that was held last Sunday.

Last Thursday night, Maselli said she ran into several students at Target looking for pink clothing or accessories, such as pink hair spray.

Of the 900 students, at least half participated, she said, adding that the faculty gets duded up in pink, too.

Principal Bruce Macksoud said he had to dig deep in his closet to find a short-sleeved pink and white checkered, button-down shirt.

Seventh-grade teacher Lynn Pike won a pair of pink booties. She was chosen as one of the best dressed staff members wearing pink. So, too, was teacher Peter Prendergast.

Sixth-grader Laura Sylvestre won the student Pink Award. She wore a coordinated pink shirt and pants outfit. Joining in her efforts, her dad, Paul, who is a school custodian, sported a bright pink shirt.

Charice Cejas, an 8th-grader, participated in a Breast Cancer Walk through another elementary school recently. She wore a pink T-shirt she received for doing so. "Hope starts with You" was printed on the front of it.

"I was excited that the school was going to let students wear pink because it gets people aware of breast cancer," she said.

Nicole Giroux wore pink clothing and accessories, including earrings and a pink-feathered boa. "I know some people who have breast cancer and I want to support them," said the 8th-grade student.

Last Thursday night, Jordan Benevides realized he had no pink clothing. So, the 8th-grader headed to Emerald Square mall and bought a pair of light pink sweatpants.

"I just wanted to show support," he said.

Myer Hussain wore a pink-and-navy-striped shirt. "It's really for a good cause," he said.

Josh Magnone wore a black suit, vest and tie. He coordinated the outfit with a pink shirt. "I like to get dressed up," he said, adding that he got the suit to wear to a wedding.

A friend drew the outline of a pink ribbon on 13-year-old Jordan Hamilton's left cheek. "She used a pink marker," he said, adding, "I just wanted something pink to wear."

Looking at Shannon Camara, who wore a lot of pink clothing and accessories, Kayla Stern, said, "She's pink."

Donations to the fund-raiser will be accepted until Nov. 6.