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Athens High School and Ohio University Organize “Go Gold” Initiative for Childhood Cancer
< < Back to athens-high-school-and-ohio-university-organize-go-gold-initiative-for-childhood-cancerOhio University and Athens High School are partnering with the Go Gold Fund to unite families and communities affected by childhood cancer, inspire businesses and individuals to take bold action, and elevate the funding of childhood cancer research.
This weekend, the Bobcats and the Bulldogs will help raise awareness about childhood cancers.
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and is represented by a gold ribbon.
The Go Gold Fund is a non-profit organization committed to shifting the landscape of cancer care by elevating the importance of childhood cancers. Through athletic activism, it partners with schools, teams, and athletes who choose to be ambassadors for the cause. “We look to athletes for inspiration,” stressed Angela Dina, co-founder and executive director of the Go Gold Fund. “Peak performances on the court demand hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. These same qualities are vital in the fight to cure childhood cancer.”
Athens High homecoming theme is “#turnitgold. Coming home to support our own…No bulldog fights alone.” The Bulldogs will take on Vinton County at 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 23.
Prior to kick-off, Mayor Steve Patterson and founders of the Go Gold Fund will present a Bravery Award to Amanda Lasure, a sophomore at Athens High currently in treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma. Led by students Katie Johnson, Cameron Kasler, Brock Steward and Andy Kostival, students of Athens High will be raising funds for both the Go Gold Fund and for the Amanda Lasure Fund. April Stewart, president of the Athens Booster Club, is mentoring the students as they organize homecoming events and fundraisers.
Athens Mayor Steve Patterson will issue a citywide proclamation in support of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month prior to kick-off at 2 p.m. of the Ohio University game against Gardner-Webb. Gold ribbons will be painted on the field, placed on players’ helmets and worn by coaches. Announcements throughout the game will raise awareness about childhood cancer and the need for change. “Bleed Green, Go Gold” game day t-shirts are being sold at College Bookstore.
In partnership with the OU Football Team and Athens High, students enrolled in the 1-year MBA program under the direction of Kelsey Rodgers and Dr. Lynn Harter have recruited 45 local businesses as community partners. Across Athens County, you will see coin box donation stations, window clings and even “go gold specials” at local restaurants, salons, and even veterinary clinics. Over 4,000 first year students at Ohio University enrolled in first year learning communities will have opportunities to create innovative awareness campaigns, and PanHellenic sororities will participate in a go gold banner contest on Friday, September 23.
Dr. Lynn Harter and Evan Shaw will be on site filming the activities for inclusion in their documentary project titled Going Gold.
Harter is a professor in the Scripps College of Communication and co-director of the Barbara Geralds Institute for Storytelling and Social Impact. Shaw is a producer/director with the Storytelling Institute and WOUB Public Media.