Avon High School girls volleyball teams are taking part in Volley for the Cure, and it’s personal.

Avon will play Vermilion High on Thursday Oct. 4, and are hoping to raise money for a cause that hits close to home. 

“This year it is very personal to AHS volleyball; this fall one of our teammates had a close family member lose her battle with breast cancer,” Debbie Romanchok, Avon Volley for the Cure co-chair 2012, said.

Senior Tri-Captain Madion Matisak lost her aunt, Annette Sefchik of Avon, to breast cancer on Aug. 17. And although the team has participated in Volley for the Cure for years, the 2012 match, featuring the team in hot pink jerseys, has special meaning tor Matisak and her teammates.

It’s a little bit extra special this year,” Matisak said. “I’ve had (breast cancer) in my family for years, I’ve always been aware of it, but this year it really hits home.

Sefchik left behind her husband Steve, three children--two that attend Avon High Schoo and a daughter who attends Ohio University.

The community has really rallied around the family Romanchok said, and hopes are they will continue their support at Volley for the Cure.

During the fall of 2012, more than 800 Ohio High School Girls’ Volleyball Teams will participate in Volley for the Cure™  to benefit the Ohio Affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, including Avon. The event will include a breast cancer awareness table, with free information being presented by the Cleveland Clinic of Lorain. 

“Our goal is to not only raise money for Susan G. Komen but to raise awareness as well,” Romanchok said.

To help raise awareness, Avon High will join forces with the entire Avon School District staff and students by hosting a “Pink Out” district wide on Thursday, Oct 4.

Matches will start at 4:30 with the freshman team and end at 9 p.m. with the conclusion of the Varsity matches, expected to start around 6:30 p.m. 

Throughout the evening, there will be basket raffles, bake sales, concession stand and a 50/50 drawing to help raise funds and awareness for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. There will also be a special ceremony honoring survivors and all those fighting breast cancer.

 Admission is $3 at the door or only $1 with the purchase of a “Volley for the Cure” t-shirt or sweatshirt.  “Volley for the Cure” apparel will be available at the door.

The AHS Lady Eagles volleyball is attempting to make this event the largest-ever donation to Susan G. Komen and put Avon in the top five donor schools in the State of Ohio.

All the proceeds for the evening will benefit the Ohio Affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The Who, What, Where

What:  Volley for the Cure event

Why:  To raise money and awareness for Susan Komen of Northeast Ohio

Who: Avon and Vermilion High School Volleyball teams

When: Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012. Freshman start at 4:30 p.m., JV at 5:30 p.m. and varsity at 6:30 p.m.

Where:  Avon High School - 37545 Detroit Road, Avon  440-934-6171