HILTON, N.Y. — The girls' soccer program at Hilton Central School District is using time on the pitch to help raise awareness, support survivors and raise money for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.
From donations at the door, to pink T-shirt sales and a 50-50 raffle, Lebeau Field included a whole lot of pink Monday for the Hilton Cadet Breast Cancer Awareness Games. It’s a 30-year tradition here.
The players, students and coaches walked a lap together to honor breast cancer survivors. It seems everyone knows someone dealing with cancer, even these kids. Senior Elliana Sloan is walking and fundraising in honor of her grandma Jean, a friend’s mom and junior varsity coach Pam Stadtmiller.
"It's been impactful on a lot of people that is why I am so glad that we are out here today," said Elliana Sloan. "We can show our support that it doesn't always win and there is a positive side."
The positive community support is contagious here at the home of the cadets. Coach Stadtmiller who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 appreciates her 30-year coaching and teaching career and says it all has taken on new meaning for her.
"I drove in this morning and I was little emotional," said Stadtmiller. "I have my players here that we educate about this. It is not just a fundraiser. This game is bigger than a game and it teaches life skills about perseverance and strength and pushing through challenges and if these players come out understanding that this game is going to get them through challenges later in this life that I have done my job."
The Hilton girls’ soccer breast cancer games has raised more than $40,000 since it began 30 years ago. You can still donate to the Hilton fundraising efforts or you can donate directly to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.