43
Teams cheer to fight cancer
YOUNGSTOWN
The first Pink Ribbon Cheer Classic started with eight teams a decade ago.
On Sunday, 93 cheer leading and dance teams took part in the daylong event to fight cancer at Beeghly Center at Youngstown State University.
The event served as the kickoff to YSU’s “Touchdowns and Crowns” homecoming week activities.
Alyssa Krumpak and Kim Caputo served co-chairwomen for the event that attracted 1,400 cheerleaders.
The event was created by Caputo, who hoped to combined her two passions of her sorority (Zeta Tau Alpha) and cheerleading to raise money and awareness for breast cancer through ZTA’s National Philanthropy program.
The program, “is very unique to Youngstown,” Krumpak said.
The program started at 8 a.m., and Krumpak said that late in the morning, “About 4,000 people came through the door.”
Since 2001, the event has raised more than $412,000 to help breast-cancer awareness, research and education.
The goal this year was to raise $110,000, Krumpak said.
Cheerleaders come from Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties in Ohio and Lawrence and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania.
“Some squads come from Pittsburgh,” she added.
Unlike unkind comments in some men’s contact sports, there was noticeable vocal support for all participants.
“Squads come to perform and in memory of those who passed and some who have been saved,” she said.
During a cheerleading event, each contestant would do a traditional kick and her favorite kick. The applause was loud and continuous for all.
Christine Cunningham, 48, of Boardman was there, along with her family. She said that when she was diagnosed with cancer years ago, “I was overwhelmed.”
Now, her daughter, Krista, 22, was helping to raise funds to fight cancer.