What is normally a simple walk into the Bothell High cafeteria was like strolling into a different world last Saturday morning.
As the doors opened, the sound of uplifting music and voices filled the air. As I turned the corner, the main room was crowded with 200-plus people, and pink and white — on signs, balloons, T-shirts, shoes, hats and even one dog’s collar — were clearly the colors of the day. (Although some folks opted for Bothell blue.)
The day was finally here for the Bothell High Paws for the Cause Breast Cancer Awareness Run/Walk.
As Valerie Spagnolo, Associated Student Body adviser, took the microphone prior to the event, the crowd listened intently and a few tears were shed during her speech:
“My third-period class has been working almost all semester to make this a reality, and you have made that come true,” Spagnolo said. “When we started this, it was from the bottom of our heart. We found that one of our staff members here was diagnosed with breast cancer, and we wanted to do something about that and so this is how this started.”
Spagnolo was speaking of world-history teacher Rhonda McGee, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and didn’t attend the event.
While the 5K/five-mile run/walk was in progress, I learned from co-organizer Melissa Lamb, a sophomore, and her crew that all money raised will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and about 22 businesses and individuals were sponsors for this event. At $25-$50 for teams and individuals to participate — about 215 was the final count — that’s a pretty hefty sum headed to the foundation.
“I didn’t expect this many people to be here,” Lamb said. “It’s amazing, and you just feel so great for helping everybody,”
Senior Scott Jackson, who formed a team with four friends, was one of the first finishers in the 5K run and held a pink bandana in his hand while discussing his relationship with McGee.
“I have Ms. McGee as my sixth-period teacher, she’s a really good teacher and she kind of told us what it’s like to go through treatment and having breast cancer,” he said. “It’s nice the whole course was marked with pink and white balloons — and they always kind of reminded you why we were out here and our thoughts were towards her.”
Sharon McLaughlin, Bothell High Learning Center instructor, was in good spirits after finishing her walk and noted that it was fitting that the sun was shining during the emotional and fun event. She was walking for her friend and fellow instructor Sherry Holcomb, who is a breast-cancer survivor.
Holcomb sported a pink cape and finished the five-mile walk with plenty of energy remaining for five miles more.
“I go to several events in the year. The camaraderie is very heartwarming and it’s important to know that people care,” Holcomb said. “It’s been almost 10 years since I’ve had the breast cancer … and I’m happy to be here.”
