The halls of NDB were filled with pink as the school helped raise awareness and money for breast cancer during the month of October. Students went to the annual Dig Pink Game, bought T-shirts and had delicious snacks from the bake sale. But why pink and not a different color?
Pink became the color behind breast cancer awareness in 1992, thanks to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a large breast cancer awareness organization. They partnered with Estée Lauder, a cosmetics company, to hand out pink ribbons at the stores and events to raise awareness. Before this, a woman named Charlotte Haley used peach-colored ribbons to raise awareness about cancer research funding. Hot pink was later chosen because it is more recognizable and marketable. It is often seen as a symbol of hope, compassion and femininity. These qualities connect with the fight against breast cancer.
“In history pink represents women, and breast cancer mainly affects women,” Dig Pink Club Co-President Gabby Goldfarb explains. The Dig Pink Club uses pink for all their events, the main one being NDB’s annual Dig Pink Volleyball Game. All funds from the game go to breast cancer research.
“Pink is stereotypically a girl color and the fact that they use it to symbolize something so important, and something that so many women struggle with around the US makes it portrayed as a strength, rather than a girly color. Now it represents strength, power and the courage to fight,” Dig Pink Varsity Volleyball player Adrianna Chu shares. She feels that pink is the only appropriate color to wear during this game, because the color holds such an important message.
“The color pink, especially in the month of October, makes it almost natural to think of breast cancer awareness and becoming more conscious of the need to bring awareness, especially in an all girls school. And to bring that passion for raising funds for research and potentially and hopefully a cure one day,” said Coach Kate Mahoney, the moderator of the Dig Pink club.
Pink helps people feel united and it shows support for those fighting breast cancer. The events, like the Dig Pink game, and wearing the color pink helps bring people together and make them more aware of breast cancer.
Pink is more than just a color; it’s a symbol of strength, unity and hope. At NDB, it brings students together with a clear goal: to support those battling breast cancer and to fight for a future without it. Through the Dig Pink game and the Dig Pink Club, it becomes a powerful reminder that even small actions, like wearing a ribbon or buying something from the Dig Pink bake sale, can make a difference. In October, pink shines at NDB not just to raise money, but to show love and courage as a community.
