Athens Cross Country Gives Back to Community

The Troy Athens High School cross country team embraced activism this season and gave back to the community. The team promoted Breast Cancer Awareness Month by sporting pink headbands and wristbands, as well as solicited donations from family and friends for both cancer research and the purchase of milk for those in need. In total, the athletes collected $325.

“I am proud of our runners and families for finding ways to support others,” head coach Mike Stallsmith said. “We started the milk donation project last year, and I’m pleased we did it again,” assistant coach Shawn DuFresne said. “A parent also approached us about getting involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

Farah Ali, parent of two runners on the team and a breast cancer survivor, contacted Beaumont’s Sharing & Caring, an educational and support program for newly diagnosed and long-term breast cancer survivors. Jan Crawford, Program Coordinator, Sharing & Caring—Breast Cancer Education and Support, Beaumont Health System, donated pink headbands to the team and supplied wristbands and pins that the team offered to family and friends for a donation.

According to Ali, one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually.

In 2019, Ali was diagnosed and treated at Beaumont Hospital.

“When you become one of those statistics, life dramatically changes,” Ali said. “Breast cancer can be a tough road, but with the help of family, friends, community and supportive programs, it makes this challenging road a little easier. I’m thankful the cross country team has been supportive and instrumental in fundraising and creating awareness of breast cancer with their peers and the community,” Ali added.

The team also donated funds to the Troy People Concerned Food Pantry, located at St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church in Troy, for the purchase of milk. The pantry, which relies strictly on donations of the parish and the local community, assists all city residents.

“This generous gift allows us to offer Troy families in need a more balanced offering,” Kim Houseman, Christian Service Outreach Director at St. Anastasia, said. “We often receive cereal donations and pancake mixes that would benefit from milk.”

The Athens boys and girls cross country teams train together, and are led by senior captains Ibrahim Ali, Hannah DiGiovanni, Erin Swartz, and junior Andrew Linden. “I feel proud to be in a position that allows me to help those in need, especially with a charity that is very personal for me,” Ali said. “I have seen the impacts of donations for cancer research and how it has helped many people.

“It’s very important for teens to get involved with different charities,” Ali added. “It gives us the chance to learn about the many struggles people are facing, so we can try to help in whatever way possible.”

“I am so excited that we were able to do something that benefits and impacts our own community,” Swartz said. “The breast cancer research fund really means a lot to me because four years ago I lost the coach who got me into this rewarding sport to breast cancer. Ever since, I have raced with pink hair ribbons to remember her legacy and support those fighting the same battle she did.”

“I feel that raising money for people to buy milk is extremely beneficial because drinks are often overlooked when people struggle to provide for their families,” Linden said. “It is so amazing that our team was able to put our focus into more than just racing and was able to raise so much money for such great causes,” DiGiovanni said. “I’m so proud of us for making a difference in the community around us.”

“Teenagers getting involved is so crucial,” Linden added. “It is a simple fact that we will eventually be the ones in charge of things, so the sooner we get out there and learn the ropes, the better.”

# # #

PICTURES PROVIDED BY TROY SCHOOL DISTRICT

MILK DONATION PHOTO:

Troy Athens High School cross country captains recently presented a monetary donation raised by the team to parish receptionist Florence Parent of St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church in Troy, where the Troy People Concerned Food Pantry is housed. From left to right: senior Ibrahim Ali, senior Hannah DiGiovanni, (Florence Parent), senior Erin Swartz, and junior Andrew Linden.

Troy Athens cross country group photo wearing pink headbands:

The Troy Athens High School cross country team wore pink headbands in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Jan Crawford, Program Coordinator, Sharing & Caring—Breast Cancer Education and Support, Beaumont Health System, donated the headbands to the team along with wristbands and pins that the team offered to family members and friends for a donation.