The Cohoes City School District celebrated the 6th Annual Real Kids Wear Pink Day (RKWP) with a lot of cheers, smiles and, of course, pink!
Cohoes High School Junior Carli O’Hara started the fundraiser in 2017 after her grandmother was diagnosed with and survived Stage 4 breast cancer. Funds are raised for the American Cancer Society through donations and t-shirt sales throughout the Capital Region. Nearly $30,000 has been raised to date; over $200,000 has been raised since its inception.
Students from the high school and middle school, along with Superintendent Peggy O’Shea and Assistant Superintendent Dan Martinelli, arrived at the high school this morning on the CDTA American Cancer Society bus to much fanfare. After posing for photos, the group headed to the middle school, where they were greeted by a large group of cheering students.
Earlier this week, Cohoes Mayor Bill Keeler and Assemblyman John McDonald officially declared Oct. 21 as Real Kids Wear Pink Day, and the New York State Legislature and Governor’s office have both recognized Carli and her classmates for their efforts.
“So many of us know someone who has been touched by cancer,” said Ms. O’Shea. “It’s wonderful to see the Cohoes school community come together, and I’d like to thank Carli and her team for raising awareness and funds for this worthy cause.”