Vienna Youth Soccer’s (VYS) fields were a sea of pink in October as players and their families participated in the third annual ”Give Cancer the Boot” campaign by wearing pink during games and practices.
VYS players, coaches and fans had been 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.
Over the past three years, VYS’ Give Cancer the Boot campaign has donated over $3700 to 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. This year’s donation included profits from VYS’ specially-designed shirts and a donation from the U14B Raptors Academy which donated a portion of its fundraising efforts from its Raptor Tag Booster Drive.
According to Faith Boettger, Give Cancer the Boot Chair, "Give Cancer the Boot gives our players and their families a wonderful opportunity to actively participate in breast cancer awareness month and make a difference all year long through our partnership with Life with Cancer."
“Life with cancer cannot exist without the generous support of our community. Without fundraising efforts like VYS’ Give Cancer the Boot, we would not be able to provide counseling, education, programs and navigation services to the children, adults and loved ones in our communities at no cost. We now service Fairfax, Loudoun, Alexandria and Mount Vernon and Fair Oaks communities,” said Sage Bolte, PhD, LCSW, OSW-C, Director, Life with Cancer.