CLARKS SUMMIT, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — There’s nothing but net and support as the Comets at Abington Heights High School shot free throws for a cause.
Abington Heights High School is once again taking part in the annual Coaches vs. Cancer campaign in Northeast Pennsylvania. In partnership with the program, the school is using its upcoming Pink Game to raise both funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society.
In the days leading up to the matchup, the gymnasium hosted a Free Throw Fundraiser featuring members of the basketball team, honoring those impacted by cancer, with a special recognition to breast cancer awareness.
Sharing their passion for basketball for nearly two decades, Abington Heights High School has partnered with the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative, a program that works closely with the American Cancer Society.
Chairman of Coaches vs. Cancer in NEPA, Andrew Kettel has been a part of the program since the beginning.
“I’ve been a part of Coaches vs. Cancer since its inception in 2007, 2008. When I was the boy’s basketball coach of Lackawanna Trail. The Pink Game started around the same time. So about 18, 20 years this has been going on. The past couple of years, the Pink Game and Coaches vs. Cancer have combined efforts, and are working together, to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer,” said Kettel.
Emphasizing the purpose behind the annual Pink Game, Kettel explained how the event is designed to raise awareness and educate students about breast cancer, while also providing meaningful support to those affected by the disease.
“We’re reaching young ladies at a young age, where they can learn about screening, mammograms and the importance of a healthy lifestyle, to hopefully help eliminate breast cancer, and all cancer. So, I think we’re reaching the kids at a young enough age where we can educate them and show them that with the right community support and the raising of funds, it can help research and it can help local breast cancer patients with different programs throughout the area,” said Kettel.
In a friendly display of competition, members of the Abington Heights High School girl’s basketball team came together for a Free Throw Fundraiser. While raising money on the court, head coach Deanna Klingman shared more about how the free throw event supports the cause.
“We raise funds for Coaches Vs. Cancer, more specifically, the American Cancer Society. Every year we invite the junior high, the ninth-grade team and the JV and varsity teams all get together. And we do a free throw competition. We give out prizes, and we donate all the money back to those organizations,” said Klingman.
Junior Emma Coleman said she’s been part of the fundraiser for three years, first learning about it through her family.
“Ever since I was a freshman, and then I grew up around it because my sister was doing it and my cousin. So, I’ve just been around it my whole life. It’s really fun knowing that we’re fighting for something bigger than the game and we’re all just coming together to fight for it,” said Coleman.
With 11 years of involvement in the fundraiser, Klingman said she values the opportunity to collaborate with North Pocono High School for its annual Pink Game and reflects on the importance of giving back.
“I think everybody realizes cancer touches so many people. And in our own families, our teams, in our community, and we’re just very blessed and grateful that we can give back and contribute back to the community. And with our funds we’re going to earmark for local cancer patients and specifically breast cancer patients,” said Klingman.
The Coaches Vs. Cancer Pink Game will take place on February 3.