As the nation’s number two killer and the American Cancer Society predicting 1.8 million new cancer cases in 2020, the Lady Titan basketball team helped join the fight to find a cure. On January 18, the Lady Titans and Lady Hatchets of Washington High School came together to Coaches vs. Cancer.

During the game, the team sold chili and baked goods and hosted a raffle that included a variety of items, from Cardinals vs. Cubs tickets to seats at the Women’s NCAA Sweet 16 games in Fort Wayne, Ind. All funds raised were donated towards cancer research.

“This is the first time we have done this with the girls’ team, but the state of Indiana has been holding events like this for 17 or 18 years,” coach Rusty Reeves said. “It is a statewide initiative to help raise money for cancer research.”

Parents came together to provide baked goods and work the tables during the JV and varsity games to help support their children and those with cancer. 

“It is a good cause,” Reeves said. “We know a lot of people who have struggled with cancer. 

It is close to my family, as my mom died of breast cancer, and Coach Bethany’s mom is a cancer survivor. It is something that the whole team is passionate about. It is great for us to step up and help this great cause.” 

Many people attended the game and they were constantly flowing through the cafeteria where the food and raffle items were.

“We set up a fun environment for people to donate,” senior Maci Foster said. “We had a chili lunch and so many baked goods for people to buy. There was a great turn out and all of us were happy to be able to raise the money we did.”

The team also sponsored a half pot, which grew to $365.

“This would be a great event to do again,” senior Brooke Goedde said. “It was a great atmosphere to play in with all the support, and it all went to a great cause.” 

In the end, the Lady Titans raised $1,677 dollars for cancer research.