Annual “Pink Game” preaches awareness

Annual “Pink Game” preaches awareness

Sports Editor Prior to last night’s 6AEast volleyball match between West Memphis and Marion, the two schools recognized three brave women that were diagnosed with breast cancer.

West Memphis honored the memory of Brook Neal, who died in May of this year. Adam Neal, husband of Brook, was recognized in addition to their children, and members of Brook Neal’s family.

Marion presented Donnita Haney, who appeared with her husband, Randy, and their two daughters, Jessica and Jamie. Haney is currently recovering from her bout with cancer.

Kim Griffin was the second woman recognized by Marion. Griffin is the mother of former Lady Patriot volleyball player Karla-Ann Norton and has recovered from her disease, as well. “It’s something that has touched so many people’s lives over the years. Brook Neal was a close friend to us and to the coaching staff of West Memphis,” said Marion head coach Lisa Beasley. “Her and her husband knew so many people around the community, and they were such an inspiration to so many people. As for Donnita, Jamie is the same age as a lot of my girls on the team. She was our manager for a year until she started playing tennis and the schedules conflicted, but we still love her and her family just the same. Kim is a very close friend of mine and were happy that she could join us, as well.”

West Memphis head coach Erin Neeley echoed those statements.

“We share so many people that have ties to each school throughout this community,” said the West Memphis coach. “We share people, stories, experiences. It just makes sense to do it together in October, which is always breast cancer awareness month.”

Following the high school junior varsity game, the guests of honor were brought onto the court at Patriot Volleyball Gym and given flowers before receiving a nice round of applause from the sizable crowd in attendance.

Beasley said that it was important to recognize the people that survived the illness, but that the concept of the “pink game” was about prevention, as well.

“I’ve personally lost a good friend from college to breast cancer, as well as my best friend from high school to it,” explained Beasley. “It’s a terrible disease and it affects so many people, and if our little thing brings even the slightest bit of attention to that fact, then it’s definitely worth it. If just one person goes to get checked out because of this event, then that’s why we want to do it.”

The teams each played in special pink jerseys for the event, and also played with a special pink-and-white volleyball during the game.

By Chuck Livingston