STONE MOUNTAIN—Pink icees, pink shirts, pink ribbons and pink ties filled the halls of Stephenson High School as it celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Oct. 29 with the school’s first “Poised in Pink” Day.

In an effort to raise breast cancer awareness, the school’s new principal, Dr. Brian Bolton, encouraged all students and staff members to wear pink. The school also passed out pink ribbons for students and staff to wear and sold pink icees provided by Bruster’s Real Ice Cream in Stone Mountain.

“We created events like this to fight against the most dominant health conditions in the African American community—heart disease, breast and prostate cancer,” Bolton said. “Today is very important because we believe we can lower the rates of these health plagues, if we start  educating our children now. It’s also great to honor the staff here that have survived breast cancer.”

One of those survivors at Stephenson is Susan Sweeting, who works as a secretary in the school’s testing department. She said she was glad to see everyone coming together to honor such a great cause.

“I was first introduced to breast cancer when my mother-in-law was diagnosed. Then in July of last year, I was diagnosed. Although I went into somewhat of a depression, my husband was the one who took it really hard,” said Sweeting.

Sweeting, the mother of sons ages 14 and 5, said she found out she had two cancerous lumps in her left breast during a first-time  

“It really threw me for a loop. I only went to get a mammogram because my doctor suggested it. Who would think on your first mammogram, cancer would be found,” Sweeting said.

Sweeting, who had a mastectomy, said she has a new outlook on life and enjoys her children and her family everyday.

“I was the first one in my family to be diagnosed with breast cancer. My family came from Florida to comfort my children, who were sad. My oldest son knew what could be the results, if things took a turn for a worse,” Sweeting said. “When I came home with all the tubes and bandages on, my youngest son was also very hurt. He just wanted to lay next to me until I felt better, but he couldn’t. Now we make sure we always make time to spend with each other. Now, we are a stronger family and things have been great.” 

Stephenson will host its first Cancer Walk on Oct. 31. The school hopes to raise $10,000 for the Breast Cancer Society by the end of both events.  Bolden plans to continue the two events annually.