Last Friday night, the North Decatur Chargers and South Decatur Cougars men’s basketball teams battled for the Civil War Trophy.
Decatur County Memorial Hospital helped sponsor the rivalry night. DCMH took part in recognizing and showing support for those battling breast cancer and those affected by cancer in general. Every cancer survivor earned free admission to the game and attendees were asked to wear pink to show their support. All basketball players and cheerleaders wore pink shirts provided by DCMH and the Greensburg Fire Department. DCMH also handed out pink bracelets and rally towels before the game.
Decatur County Community School’s Superintendent Jarrod Burns said, “I can say this is one of the most amazing moments of my professional career. To see an entire community come together to rally against cancer was incredible. I have never been more proud to be a member of any community then I was Friday night.”
Susan Burkhart, Hospital Foundation of Decatur County Director added, “What a great evening of fellowship this past Friday. The rivals North and South Decatur came to together to support cancer and those it affects. A big thank you to Kyle Nobbe and PJ Metz from NDHS for their check presentations of $371.00 that was raised for our Pink Ribbon Fund. This fund provides free mammograms for women and men who financially cannot afford one. Thank you to our amazing community for coming together!”
During halftime of the game, players from both teams, coaches, cheerleaders, representatives from DCMH and all cancer survivors in attendance gathered on the floor for a photo and recognition.
DCMH Athletic Trainer Amanda Mang, who provides services to both North and South Decatur High Schools, was in attendance as well. She recently lost her mother to cancer and commented, “Tonight was one of my least favorite nights of the year, when my schools play each other, but due to an awesome idea by one of the coaches to make the game about cancer awareness and survivors it was one of my favorite games ever. My mom would have loved this!!! The players presented all cancer survivors with a rose and the hospital gave them a gift bag. Two rival teams came together for one great cause.”
Thank you to everyone who participated and attended the Pink Out Breast Cancer Awareness Basketball Game!