Monte Vista Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Flurry of Activities

When cancer took the life of teacher Carol Pyle six years ago, the school began an initiative that would become on of its missions - a "Pink Month" on campus.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month wraps up, Monte Vista has done various things throughout October to further Pyle's legacy, and her family's request that money be raised for the American Cancer Societys Strides Against Breast Cancer.

The school's various clubs were hard at work making posters, decorating the campus with pink, and of course, wearing pink on "Pink Day," which this year was Oct. 12. In addition, various school clubs came together to make Breast Cancer Awareness items to sell, including pink camoflouge T-shirts. Staff member Martha Montano sold pink clay pens for $3 each. In addition, several students and staff participated in the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" event in Balboa Park on Oct. 16.

Gracia Gregg, an academic advisor, and herself a cancer survivor, said that more students have been participating over the past few years, as many of their family and friends are affected each year.

"I am a survivor so my goal with the students is to help bring awareness and resources to help find a cure  so our students will not have to go through what I had to face," said Gregg.

This year, the staff raised $1,500, and in six years, they have raised more than $10,000.