The following article will be published in the November edition of Saginaw Township Living magazine.

Nouvel Athletics Supports Cancer Awareness

By Layden Moore, Class of 2028

Annually, Nouvel Catholic Central proudly hosts a Game to Remember with each of the fall sports teams. It is the 14th year of this tradition and another great way for Nouvel to support the community. Families have the opportunity to make a donation in honor of someone who has made a lasting impact on their life. Throughout the years, Nouvel has donated more than $31,000 to support families battling cancer.

Student-athletes wear a decal bearing the names of the honorees at the games, or wear pink items as a visual reminder and the games can be very personal for many of our families. Mrs. Pinkerton, one soccer parent, shared, “Last year, one member of our own family was in the middle of cancer treatment and it meant so much to host this game and see the boys wearing the pink jerseys. The team collected donations and was able to support other families that are going through similar circumstances.”

Students-athletes were willing to share similar stories of how meaningful the game is and what an honor it is to wear the pink ribbons. Parker Kingsbury, a sophomore football player said, “The game means a lot to us because a family member passed away of cancer and her mom comes every year.” Tanyen Trijo, another sophomore member of the team, had a similar family story. “My cousin had leukemia and now comes to the game and enjoys seeing everyone support others.” Zeke Boyd, a senior football player said, “My Grandma was a survivor of breast cancer, so bringing awareness to this disease that so greatly affected her and so many others is an important thing that we all should take part in. This event lets us celebrate her fight.”

At the football Game to Remember, band members show their support by wearing pink plumes on their shakos. Mr. Yarmak, Nouvel Band Director, shared “It’s important because everyone knows someone who has been deeply affected by cancer. This gives us a chance to honor those people in our performance.” Beth Garner, a senior band member added, “The game’s halftime show is special. I love being able to perform for those who have won the fight, remember those who lost the fight, and pray for all of them. Everyone in some way has been impacted by knowing someone, maybe even a relative, with cancer or having cancer themselves; it is important to remember those who battle and recognize the ones who beat cancer as a community.”

Students from the volleyball team hosted their game and wore pink shorts and ribbons. A few volleyball players had some stories to share on why the game means so much to them. Abby Hart, a senior volleyball player said, “My aunt died of cancer and it was really hard on us and I feel as if I'm playing for her.” Chloe Leslie, a freshman player said, “My meemaw survived three attacks of breast cancer. When I'm playing volleyball it’s like representing her.” 

Staff members are another big part of the games as they often help with details or supporting our students. Mrs Boros, our guidance counselor, had a story to share. “Although our sports teams fight battles on the court or field every week, those battling cancer have much more challenging fights, one with no buzzer or scoreboard. In the last 5 years, I've watched my grandma and mom beat cancer and I am so grateful to have them both today. We are blessed to be able to reflect on their battles as we know that others have not been as lucky. The Game to Remember is an opportunity to show love and support for everyone who has faced cancer head-on, regardless of the outcome.” 

The Game to Remember is a moment for all of Nouvel to come together and honor those special individuals in our lives. Thank you to everyone who continues to make this such a meaningful event for our community. Donations from the games benefit MyMichigan Saginaw Breast Cancer Fund, formerly Ascension St. Mary’s Cancer Fund, to help local families defer the costs associated with their fight against cancer.