Lincoln Southwest student club helps raise funds for cancer patients

On Saturday, Lincoln Southwest and Lincoln Pius IV joined together in the “Think Pink” initiative.

A student club is helping to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer.

The event was hosted by a Lincoln Southwest student organization called STAC.

“We wanted to bring together, unify the two schools and really show people that it doesn’t matter what team you’re playing for tonight, that it’s more about unifying both schools in the fight against cancer because no one fights alone and that is their mission,” said Allison Kelley, LSW STAC Adult Sponsor.

STAC stands for Students Together Against Cancer.

The organization holds fundraising events throughout the year.

Fans, players and coaches for both the girls and boys varsity basketball teams wore pink for the event.

The fundraiser gives every penny to help local cancer patients in need of financial assistance.

“Personally, I have a long history with cancer in my family, so when I started at southwest, my older sister was in it and so that is what got me involved. It’s been something that I’ve really enjoyed and found a passion for the past three years that I’ve been here,” said Payton Fallick, Co-President, LSW STAC.

The student group gave away t-shirts to “Pack the Nest in Pink” for the basketball games.

At halftime, cancer survivors in attendance were recognized with a special presentation.

So far this year, the group has raised $7,000 dollars.

They hope to hit an even higher benchmark before the school year is over.

“Since we have so many people in our club, we are able to accomplish a lot, that’s why we have the goal of $10,000. It’s just really great to be able to have a big group of people giving back to their community in such an awesome way,” said Fallick.

Co-Presidents Payton Fallick and Abby Smith are leading the only high school STAC chapter in the city.

“We’re the only high school that has students together against cancer anymore. It’s just a really rewarding feeling to know that you are helping someone out there in the community that is having tougher problems where they might not be able to pay for a meal just because their medical expenses are so high,” said Abby Smith, Co-President, LSW STAC.

Event organizers say they are planning more fundraising events throughout the spring… If you’d like to get involved, follow their twitter (lsw_stac) and instagram (lswstac) accounts for updates.