About Pink Arrow Pride
Something extraordinary is unfolding in the heart of Lowell's school community – the vibrant spirit of Lowell Pink Arrow Pride! Did you know that this movement, sparked by Coach Noel Dean in 2008, has become a sensation in our town?
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Picture this: a football game with players donning rare pink jerseys, the echoes of a thousand pink thunder-sticks, and a stadium transformed into a sea of pink. Thanks to dedicated volunteers and our incredible community, Pink Arrow Pride raised $93,000 for charities in its first year.
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Fast forward to 2009, Lowell set an ambitious goal to renovate the Senior Neighbor building into Gilda's Club – a haven for free cancer support. "In this together. Learn. Share. Laugh." became the mantra, and with your generosity and many others, Pink Arrow Pride 2009 raised $116,000 for our local charities, and we celebrated the Grand Opening of Gilda's Club on September 1, 2009.
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Beyond the funds, Pink Arrow Pride elevated awareness about cancer's impact and showcased Lowell's football team's commitment to family, kindness, honor, and service. As the saying goes, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
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Today, Pink Arrow Pride persists in its mission – raising awareness for cancer treatment and cure, supporting the Lowell Area Community Wellness Organization, and maintaining student scholarships in memory of Kathy Talus and Dr. Gerard. With total donations now exceeding $500,000, we are continually in awe of what one small town can accomplish.
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We invite you to join us on this journey. Your support and the community's strength will make a profound impact. The climax of Pink Arrow Pride awaits at the first home varsity football game.
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Your support means the world to us. From the depth of our hearts, thank you in advance for standing with us on this meaningful journey.
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Lowell Community - together, we are a community that is fighting cancer.
Perseverance Stories
Nicki Donda
Nicki lives in Charlotte, MI. She has three daughters and works as a technical analyst. She is in a women's senior softball league that just won the National Championships. She was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer. She started using Gilda's club counseling services after her cancer diagnosis. She wants to inspire others to share their experience because there are people out there who can help.
Denise Washburn
Denise is a long time teacher for Lowell Schools. She works at Murray Lake Elementary. She is a breast cancer survivor. She is thankful for the support she received, her teaching community, her family, and her faith helped her to get through.
Chelsea Weiskerger
Chelsea used Gilda's club for grief counseling. Chelsea grew up in Denver and came to Michigan to attend MSU. Her senior year her mother was diagnosed with cancer and the only place Chelsea could find for counseling that fit her needs was Gildas of Lowell. After graduation she moved to Atlanta and met with us via Zoom to share her story.
Mary Esparza
Mary lives in Lowell and is a librarian at Kent district library. Mary lost her husband to cancer and uses Gilda's Club for grief counseling. Mary is now going through her own cancer journey.
Rachel Francisco
Is a 2006 Lowell graduate. She is a preschool teacher in Grand Rapids. She is a stage 1B triple positive breast cancer survivor.
Kyra Marks
Kyra is a Lowell graduate. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year, and is a fierce fighter. She continues to compete in the wakeboard world championships.
Pamela Topolinski
Lost her son and Patrick Kargl’s brother, Joe Kargl, in 2015 to a car accident. Utilized Gilda’s Club for grief counseling.
Hillary Coaker
Hillary is a Lowell graduate. She is a recent lung cancer survivor. Her mother was a longtime Lowell Area Schools employee and coached with Kathy Talus, who was the main inspiration for starting Pink Arrow.
Jenny Andrews
Jenny is a recent breast cancer survivor. Jenny is thankful for the support of her family and employer for helping her through. Between her husband and her they have six children.