(Cushing, Okla.) Students at Cushing High School have been joining other students from across the state in the fight against cancer. They have participated in WinWin Week, a statewide initiative aimed at cancer awareness and raising funds to support Oklahoma cancer patients.
Cushing High School dedicated Sept. 29 through Oct. 3 as their PINK WEEK to heighten cancer awareness. WinWin Week is a program coordinated by the Stephenson Cancer Center and the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association. OSSAA will present a state championship trophy to a school in each classification that has the most effective program. This is the fifth year for the Win-Win Week program. In the past four years, over 150 schools officially participated, and students have raised more than $500,000 to provide important support programs for Oklahoma cancer patients. Helping reduce the burden of cancer in Oklahoma, which kills 7,500 Oklahomans every year, is the goal of WinWin Week.
“Every community in Oklahoma has been affected by cancer. We remain encouraged by the passion and commitment from our state’s young people as they take part in the fight against cancer,” said Robert S. Mannel, M.D., director of the Cancer Center. “We are looking forward to seeing firsthand the creative ways that students will communicate this important information to their schools and communities.” Approximately half of all cancer deaths can be prevented by not using tobacco, eating a more healthy diet and exercising regularly, according to Mannel. “I wanted to be involved with Pink Week because of my mom’s experience with cancer and the toll it took on my family” Lani Howard.
Local students have been working to share information about preventing cancer through awareness events that include information flyers, classroom discussion, and dressing for “Spirit Week” These days include: Monday: Put Cancer to Rest (PJ’s); Tues: Make Cancer a thing of the Past (80’s, 70’s, 60’s, etc.);Wed.: Sock it to Cancer (pink or crazy socks); Thurs.: Put a lid on Cancer (hat day) and Fri.: PINK OUT! Students encourage CHS fans to wear pink to the football game Fri. night. The football team will be sporting pink ribbons on their helmets. A group of students will travel to the Stephenson Cancer to tour the facilities. Funds raised during WinWin Week will stay in Oklahoma to provide important support programs for patients treated at the Stephenson Cancer Center, said Mannel. To raise funds, students have been selling Pink T’s, and placing “challenge” boxes in the classrooms for the week. Teachers challenged students to raise a set goal. If the goal is met, they will receive the previously agreed on reward. In addition, CHS students have been challenged to raise $5000 total and Mr. Lauerman will dye his hair pink! Donation boxes will also be passed through the bleachers during halftime of the football game.
“The tour of the Stephenson Cancer Center opened my eyes to how important cancer fundraising is, and what a great place it is” Braden Bruner.
“We treat patients from every county in Oklahoma, and many require a wide range of support services,” Mannel said. “Funds raised by our students will go a long way to provide services to patients and their families as they fight this disease.”
Established after the Oklahoma Legislature in 2001 called on the University of Oklahoma to assume statewide leadership in cancer prevention, research, treatment and education, the Cancer Center is working toward National Cancer Institute designation as a “comprehensive cancer center,” the gold standard of cancer research and treatment.
More than 150 Ph.D.-level researchers are working to develop better treatment options for cancer, and the Cancer Center represents one of the largest oncology physician groups in the state. A new, 210,000 square-foot clinical facility opened in Oklahoma City in 2011 at the OU Health Sciences Center.
For more information regarding WinWin Week, visit www.winwinweek.com. For more information regarding the Stephenson Cancer Center, visit www.stephensonCancerCenter.org.
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