Local volleyball teams rally together to support breast health awareness

Local volleyball teams rally together to support breast health awareness

What began as a simple idea among Section 10 volleyball players has grown into a meaningful tradition of compassion, teamwork, and community support.

This year, members of the Tupper Lake volleyball team carried forward a project originally started by players from Massena. Led by Coach Courtney Bennett, the student-athletes designed and sold custom volleyball t-shirts featuring every team across the section, uniting schools and communities around a shared cause. Through their hard work and dedication, the teams raised nearly $3,300 in support of breast health awareness and support for breast cancer patients across the North Country.

The funds raised were used to purchase comfort and care items for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment throughout the region. Adirondack Health was honored to be selected as one of the healthcare organizations to receive donated items this year, including lotions, self-care products, and thoughtfully assembled patient support bags.

Players were involved in every aspect of the project — from designing the shirts and organizing orders to packing and delivering the donated items themselves. Heather Bujold was among the students who helped deliver the supplies and met with Adirondack Health Breast Health Nurse Navigator Margaret Sorensen.

The initiative has now become a passing tradition among Section 10 volleyball teams, with each group carrying the mission forward for future players and patients alike.

What made this year’s effort even more meaningful was the personal connection behind the project. Unknown to many of the students, Coach Bennett’s mother was undergoing treatment for breast cancer during the fundraiser, making the cause especially close to her heart.

During a recent visit to Adirondack Health, the team presented the donated items to Margaret Sorensen, sharing the story behind the fundraiser and the inspiration that continues to unite athletes across the North Country.

“This project is such a touching reminder of how powerful kindness can be,” said Emily Moulton, annual giving coordinator at Adirondack Health Foundation. “The compassion and community spirit shown by these student-athletes is truly inspiring.”

Adirondack Health is deeply grateful to Coach Courtney Bennett, Heather Bujold, and all the Section 10 student-athletes for their compassion, leadership, and commitment to supporting local patients and families facing breast cancer.