The 2024 Pink Arrow game, hosted by the Lowell Red Arrows, is not just another high school football match. It’s a night when the community unites to raise awareness and funds for cancer, honoring survivors and remembering those we’ve lost.

This year, the Lowell Red Arrows once again transformed into the Pink Arrows, wearing pink jerseys with the names of those affected by cancer displayed proudly on their backs. Despite their best efforts, the Pink Arrows fell to Coopersville, 35-27, in a tightly contested game that was part of the River Cities Alliance football kickoff.

Coopersville came out strong, scoring 14 unanswered points in the first quarter and leading 21-14 at halftime. The Broncos’ offense was driven by standout performances, with Bobby LeMieux rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Quarterback Beau Harris showcased his ability, completing 8 of 9 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 15 times for 105 yards and two more scores.

While the scoreboard showed a Coopersville victory, the true winners were the families touched by cancer. Pink Arrow Pride remains unwavering in its mission to support local families battling cancer, offering both emotional and financial assistance. Since its inception, the initiative has raised more than $1.5 million, benefiting Gilda’s Club of Lowell, family support through Lowell Area Community Wellness, and student scholarships in memory of Kathy Talus and Dr. Gerard.

A Community of Support

Generations of Lowell residents come together for this annual event. Among them was Cathy Acker, a long-time supporter of the Pink Arrow game.

“I’m here for everybody,” Acker said. “I’ve never missed a game. Generations of my family have been coming to see this game, my children and their children. It seems everybody gets cancer, so I gotta support it. I mean, what’s $20 for a shirt? It benefits our hometown, and we see the results.”

For some, the connection to the event is personal. Tony Stevens, who has attended many games over the years, shared how both of his grandparents, Jack and Joyce Stevens, battled cancer. “I mostly come for the kids,” he said, attending the game alongside his brother.

Others, like Wing Foo Lum, proudly wore shirts with the names of loved ones. Lum’s shirt read “My Katie,” in honor of his daughter, who passed away from cancer. “I come to support her and the team,” he said, embodying the spirit of the event.

For many, the night serves as a reminder of their own journeys with cancer.

Betty Kuntz shared her story: “I went in for a mammogram, and they invited me into the office after my appointment, which I thought was weird. They told me I had a little bitty spot so we had it biopsied, and it came back as cancer.” Diagnosed in 2017, Betty went through treatment and proudly shared that she has been cancer-free since 2019. “My grandson is a player tonight,” she added with pride.

Seven-year-old Alice Scharphorn, one of the youngest survivors in attendance, beat hepatoblastoma as an infant. This type of childhood liver cancer is rare, and Alice underwent a liver transplant as part of her treatment.

“They took my liver out and replaced it,” she said with a smile, while her brother, Axton, excitedly announced, “She’s allergic to tropical fruits because of it!” Despite the challenges, Alice was bubbly and full of energy, attending the game with her family.

The Legacy of Pink Arrow Pride

The Pink Arrow game has been an integral part of the Lowell community since 2009, when the town set an ambitious goal to renovate the Senior Neighbor building into Gilda’s Club—a haven for free cancer support. That year, Pink Arrow Pride raised $116,000, and Gilda’s Club officially opened on September 1, 2009. The club’s mantra, “In this together. Learn. Share. Laugh.,” continues to resonate in Lowell, reminding everyone that no one faces cancer alone.

Despite the final score of the 2024 game, the Pink Arrow event is a testament to the strength and compassion of the Lowell community. As we look ahead to Pink Arrow XVIII, the spirit of hope, family, and community will continue to thrive, proving once again that when a small town rallies together, it can achieve great things.

Here’s a look at more scenes from Pink Arrow XVII. All photos by Ginny Velting.