CHS cadets donate $1,500 to breast cancer awareness

Carson High School’s Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by selling pink aiguilettes to wear on their uniforms. The unit donated proceeds from their sales to the Carson Tahoe Health Cancer Center and they provided a check in the amount of $1,500 to Carson Tahoe Health representatives Tami Stein, philanthropy specialist, and Paula Mayer, community and foundation development on Nov. 29 on Carson High’s football field.

Lt. Cmdr. Emily Snyder, a senior cadet in the unit, said it was important to her to recognize breast cancer awareness.

“I decided to participate because a lot of my family has dealt with breast cancer,” Snyder said. “I’m very glad we were able to raise awareness. We wore these (aguilettes) for the Nevada Day parade, so we were able to show everyone in the community.”

The unit’s instructor Lt. Cmdr. Dan Meyer, who is a cancer survivor, said he is very proud of his platoon for taking up multiple fundraisers throughout the year. The breast cancer initiative is the NJROTC’s third annual effort, and Meyer said he hoped to keep it going. The aiguilettes also are worn during several Color Guard events in October and the Virginia Day Veterans Day parade in November.

“I think they get really excited about wearing their cord,” he said. “It represents something. It’s an eyeopener for those who have cancer and even those in our families. (Cancer’s) a killer, and hopefully our little donation helps those and it helps find a cure.”

Stein and Mayer, who watched the cadets in their ceremony on the football field and take their photo, said they were proud of the students for their commitment to raising their donation. Mayer said she is new to her role with CTH but has been embracing the community outreach that allows her to meet others.

“These kids, all of the ROTC, are so impressive,” she said. “They’re so well-mannered and they listen, and it just amazes me that they go out of their way even at such a young age. They know the importance of being charitable and contributing to these causes. And breast cancer awareness affects so many people. I definitely appreciate them giving their hard-earned money at such a young age. I love it.”