For Papillion-La Vista High School, Friday night’s home game against Westside is about providing a sense of hope for the 1,735,350 people that are projected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2018.  Social Studies teacher Amy Studts, who is friends with the organizer of the event, said Westside chose to get involved with the fundraiser this year.

“They reached out to our athletic director and DECA sponsors to help promote and sell shirts for Cancer research,” Studts said. “One hundred percent of the funds go directly to cancer research.”

The fundraiser started twelve years ago as a pink out for breast cancer, but it has evolved into the “Color of Hope” game. For the fundraiser, the Monarch junior class sells t-shirts of different colors, each with their own representation of a specific type of cancer. Papillion-La Vista junior class president Jill Mathison said it’s something that a lot of people appreciate.

“I was voted president this year now that I am a junior,” Mathison said. “My grandma and grandpa have both been impacted by lung cancer. Therefore, I wear white each year.”

In 2018, 1,735,350 new cancer cases are projected to occur according to the American Cancer Society. By participating in this year’s “Color of Hope” fundraiser, Westside DECA and athletic department are helping there be another ounce of hope for those diagnosed.

“Communities coming together and raising funds is a great thing,” Studts said.