Someone asked me the other day why am I such an advocate breast cancer research and breast cancer awareness. My answer to that person, “why aren’t you?”

But, my answer is this: Because I have a mother and a sister, because I have women who I love and have loved and because I have many friends who are women.

Over the past few weeks, the Times-Journal has published stories about area breast cancer survivors, support groups for those battling the disease or those who have won their battle and written stories about fundraising and educational events held this month.

Through each of the articles, through each of the events, the one things I have noticed of those who have either battled or are battling the disease, or those who are helping to raise awareness of screening procedures and treatments, is the passion they have to fight this disease and the commitment to spread the word.

For these survivors and those family members of survivors and victims, the color pink is more than something that is worn or displayed during October. The color is a symbol of fight, of faith and of remembrance.

Friday night, though, I saw something that I truly thought was amazing.

I saw an entire football team; its coaches, their fans and their school come together for something more than beating their opponent. School officials, parents, coaches’ wives and players at Selma High should be extremely proud and pleased with their efforts Friday night at Memorial Stadium to share information and raise awareness of breast cancer.

During the event, which called on fans to wear pink to help “pink out the stadium,” information was passed out to help educate fans about breast cancer and the need for regular screenings.

Band members wore pink stickers on their uniforms, as did the football players and cheerleaders, with the word “courage” on it. Band members added pink ribbons to some of their instruments and the band’s popular dance line came out in pink sequenced uniforms.

Pink ribbons were also placed throughout and around the stadium, to drive home the message.

One of the organizers and wife of Selma High head coach Les Miles, Tanya Miles summed up everything perfectly in her quote in an article in Friday’s edition of the Times-Journal.

“Cancer has touched Selma High School family, so this is something that’s dear to their hearts.” Miles, a breast cancer survivor said. “We’re hoping this is something we can start and can continue to be a tradition.”

Mrs. Miles, if you want to make this an annual event, you have our complete support.

Tim Reeves is editor of The Selma Times-Journal.