By Kaylan Kha
Editor in Chief
Gabrielino High School’s varsity basketball teams held their eighth annual Ovarian Cancer Night on Jan. 19. The boys game against Mountain View High School began at 4:45, while the girls game began at 6:30.
Facing the undefeated Mountain View Vikings, the Eagles needed to work as a team and put their all into playing. The Eagles trailed behind the Vikings by a few points throughout the game, finishing 58-65.
“Even though we lost, the coaches were still proud of us because we all left everything on the court,” said senior Noah Kim.
The Lady Eagles, on the other hand, secured a victory, 63-24, against the Lady Vikings. This game was another addition to the Lady Eagles’ winning streak, as they are currently undefeated.
“I’m glad I ended [my last Ovarian Cancer Night game] by helping everyone score,” stated senior Amanda Lee. “I’m going to miss it a lot.”
Since its start eight years ago, Ovarian Cancer Night has raised over $15,000 for ovarian cancer awareness. Proceeds come from shirt sales, the 50/50 raffle, and the donation box.
In the weeks leading up to Ovarian Cancer Night, students were to purchase shirts from any varsity basketball player for $10. Shirts were adorned with the phrase “Rise Above” in teal letters on the front and a quote on the back.
Even though the bleachers were filled with students and parents repping their Ovarian Cancer shirt, shirts, along with ribbons, were still sold during the game.
Ellen Shimamoto, former librarian, was the winner of the 50/50 raffle. Shimamoto donated the majority of her winnings back to the cause.
Boys varsity basketball coach John Carney and former girls varsity basketball coach Thomas Shima began the campaign to honor Debbie Williamson, a former employee at Gabrielino.
Williamson had worked at Gabrielino for 16 years before she was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer on September 11, 1996. After more cancer was found in 1997, Williamson had a bit of a break before relapses in 2008, 2010, and 2012.
Currently, Williamson is undergoing more chemotherapy. To Williamson, raising money is important to ensuring that research towards cancer treatments will advance.
Williamson has contributed to the REVLON Run/Walk and Stand Up 2 Cancer, but this year, she wants the money to go to the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center Fund (CCCF).
With more than 18 years of treatment from the USC CCCF, the organization holds a special place in Williamson’s heart. It is a center that works towards developing programs to “prevent, control, and cure cancer.”
Ovarian cancer is a cancer that affects a woman’s ovaries. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, according Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance.
“This night is a special night,” said Carney. “It’s a good environment [and] it’s a good cause. It’s more than just basketball.”
