AVONDALE, AZ -- For the past month members of the women's La Joya Community High School Volleyball team have been raising money to fight breast cancer through various fundraisers.
So far the teens have raised about $2,500, but their goal is $5,000.
Junior Varsity coach Rachel McClure says the team is hoping to raise more money when they host Marcos De Niza on Tuesday, October 27 in their second annual "Dig Pink to Spike Breast Cancer" event.
The women's fight is even more personal. Two years ago La Joya english teacher, Amanda Ramirez, was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 24 years old.
"To see that she's still here and still fighting is inspiring," said team Captain, Janelle Wilson.
Ramirez said she found the lump one day when her bathing suit didn't fit just quite right. The teacher had just started at La Joya High School at the time. She got in to see her doctor right away who had her undergo an ultrasound.
Ramirez said her doctor then sent her to specialists, who downplayed her cancer.
"I called every doctor on the list and every single one of them told her the same thing, you're too young, it's a cyst," said Ramirez. "It'll go away."
But four months later and still in pain Ramirez said she finally found a doctor. Three days after her visit she had surgery and then was diagnosed with breast cancer.
"A lot of it is age," she said. "They don't think it's something that can happen to people under 40."
All of the money raised from the team will go towards the Side-Out Foundation which supports health care professionals in their fight agains breast cancer.
The team says the funds will support breast cancer education programs and research efforts.
On the school's website, prinicipal Cheryl Ingram posted this message:
"The support you lend this initiative is not only counted in dollars and cents but also in the "spirit of community." You have lent us your voice in fighting this deadly disease. Together, we will do much to improve the lives of women and men who are facing this challenge."
You can make contributions by going to the team website. There you can choose an amount to donate, follow the steps, and, after the process is complete, you will receive email confirmation of your donation.
For more information on the Side-Out Foundation: The Side-Out Foundation.
For more information on the Side-Out Foundation you can call 877-DIG-PINK or 877-344-7465. The fax number is 703-991-7639.
