Patton Volleyball Team serves up funds for mammography services

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Patton High School Girls Volleyball team recently raised funds to support life-saving mammography services for women in need.

The team’s annual “Pink Out” game benefited the Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation’s Making Pink Possible fund, ensuring local women have access to early breast cancer detection services.

Coach Hayden Huffman, who spearheaded the effort, said the tradition holds personal significance.

“When I was in high school, we always had a Pink Out game,” Huffman said. “Friends and teammates, myself included, had someone very close to us who had battled breast cancer. When I became head coach at Patton last year, I knew I wanted to continue this tradition — raising money for a related cause and keeping it local. It was important that the girls and those donating knew they were helping their neighbors.”

Huffman credited Dr. Gandhari Loomis for introducing her to the Making Pink Possible fund, which provides free mammograms to women who might not otherwise be able to afford them. Through collaboration with Traci Riebel of the Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation, Huffman and the team brought the event to life, even amidst the challenges of recovering from recent hurricane impacts.

“We wanted to spread the word about this great cause,” Huffman said. “Early detection can truly save lives, and I’m proud of our team for stepping up to make a difference.”

The Pink Out game brought the community together in a sea of pink, with attendees showing their support both financially and emotionally. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit local women, highlighting the importance of grassroots efforts in addressing critical health needs.

The Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation expressed gratitude to the team for their efforts.

“Thank you to the Patton High School Girls Volleyball team for helping us make pink possible,” Riebel said.

— AVN