Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
‘Pink’ is in at Pea Ridge
Students sell bracelets to fight breast cancer
More than half the hands went up when asked if they had been personally affected by breast cancer. Even more hands were raised when asked if they had a loved one affected by any kind of cancer.
The 23 boys in Mark Woollard’s advisory class at Pea Ridge Middle School were challenged to find a way to serve their community. After several brainstorming sessions, the boys eventually decided to create and sell pink bracelets bringing attention to the fight against breast cancer and trying to find a cure.
“Basically we did it individually … then we compromised on one idea for a group,” Dylan Works, 12, said.
“We came up with our own ideas, combined the items in groups, then shared with the class,” Aaron Ricketts, 13, said.
“Most of us were talking about cures for cancer,” Landon Wright, 12, said.
Woollard said several of the groups offered cancer as a topic. “It was a main theme they all cared about.”
The boys plan to sell the bracelets for $1 each, then use that money to buy T-shirts to sell. Money raised will be sent to the Breast Cancer Foundation, Woollard said.
“My mom had breast cancer when she was younger,” Dillon Wells, 12, said.
“My mom’s mother had breast cancer. She actually had one of the worst types. She survived,” Peyton Losey, 12, said.
“My great-grandma had stage 4 breast cancer,” Works said. “She died from it.”
“My grandma had breast cancer,” Skyler Shockley said, fighting back his emotions. “Man, it’s hard. She just went in and out of the hospital. I missed her a lot. She’s still alive.”
Again and again, young men shared their stories of mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers who had fought breast cancer. Many survived. Some did not.
Zach Woods said his elder sister had some type of cancer on her arm resulting in surgery.
Brandon Whatley said his aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer and died the day after he was born.
“We hope to raise enough money to where it will help to find a cure,” Seth Temko, 13, said.
“I hope with the bracelets to raise awareness not only in the community, but further,” David Snarr said.
The boys sell the bracelets at school, in the morning before classes and at lunch time. They will also have a table from which to sell during Friday night’s homecoming game.
Woollard said 600 bracelets were ordered and about 300 have been sold. The sale of bracelets will provide the capital to buy T-shirts to raise even more money. “We hope to get $1,500.”
“We can’t shut up about it. We want to help support the cure,” Snarr said.
“Although we’re boys, we can still sell women’s stuff. It isn’t embarrassing,” Shockley said.
“We’re trying to teach young men in the world to be aware,” Snarr concluded.