Vienna Youth Soccer players showing their ‘Give Cancer the Boot’ spirit. Photo contributed
Vienna Youth Soccer’s (VYS) fields were a sea of pink in October as players and their families participated in the second annual "Give Cancer The Boot" campaign by wearing pink during games and practices.
From Oct. 23-31st, VYS players were asked to wear pink to raise awareness on the risks of breast cancer and benefits of early detection. Players and their families could be seen all over Vienna and surrounding fields sporting their "Give Cancer the Boot" t-shirts and pink gear. Boys, girls, men and women participated - showing that pink has truly become a statement of support.
This year, VYS sold over 560 specially-designed pink t-shirts and PJ’s Sports donated 10 percent of all VYS sales for the month of October to the Give Cancer the Boot. The VYS Give Cancer the Boot campaign supports Life with Cancer a local, community-funded organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life of those affected by cancer by providing information, education and support. VYS and PJ’s’ combined donation of over $1700 to Life with Cancer will make a difference in helping families get the support and services they need.
According to Leigh Palmer, VYS Board member, coach and avid soccer player, "I am thrilled to support the VYS community especially when the cause hits close to home. I have been playing in a women's soccer league on the same team for over a decade. Within this small group of women, four have been diagnosed with cancer, including one that was recently diagnosed. We proudly wore our shirts to support her and raise awareness."