Highlands School is known for its bright blue and gold colors.
But on Friday night, everyone in attendance at the basketball games with Blue Ridge was encouraged to wear black. It wasn’t to gain some psychological advantage over the visiting Bobcats, but rather acknowledge the effects of a disease that is all to familiar to many on the plateau.
“Black Out Cancer” night at Highlands coincided with senior night for the basketball and cheerleading teams. Donations were accepted at the entrances, and during the games students passed collection buckets. The proceeds will be donated to a nonprofit specializing in cancer research.
There were 65,320 cancer cases in North Carolina in 2022, according to American Cancer Society. Breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers were the most prevalent types of cancer statewide last year and the survival rate is dependent on what type of cancer is detected, how early it is found, and the treatments available.
Men are 10 percent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than women, and people over the age of 65 are at the greatest risk. But no matter your gender or age, cancer can change a person’s life in an instant. Surgery, chemotherapy or other treatment options can be painful and difficult to manage.
Kudos to the athletics administration, staff and booster club at Highlands School for making the “Black Out Cancer” event happen. And a tip of the cap to the overwhelming majority of basketball fans who took part by donning their black attire and donating to the cause.
Highlands won both games contested on Friday night, but the outcome seemed to be of little significance as everyone kept the bigger picture in mind.
While the traditional blue and gold will be back for the rest of the basketball season, it was good to see black take center stage for one night. No matter if you were rooting for the Highlanders, or the Bobcats, everyone can agree that taking a stand against cancer was worth tossing a few extra dollars in the donation bucket.