FAIRMONT — Fairmont High School will participate in a host of “Tackle Cancer” events next week and the Oct. 8 home football game against Worthington has been designated as the school’s tackle cancer game.

Tackle Cancer is put on by the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. The fund aims to support the cancer community in Minnesota by funding research, prevention and treatment.

In 2018 and 2019, Fairmont Area Schools participated in Tackle Cancer. After missing last year, organizer Cyndi Johnson knew she wanted to bring it back this school year.

“I was newly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and my son Thomas was on the football team,” Johnson explained.

Her husband, Brad Johnson, has also been long-time coach. All of that was her motivation.

“The community helped us and supported us when I was first diagnosed and I want to do the same for others,” Johnson said.

Johnson said this time around she’s really focusing on those recently diagnosed and Fairmont High School has two students, sophomores Nevaeh Rahm and Ava Terfehr, who were recently diagnosed with cancer.

“There’s a different momentum and energy,”Johnson said.

All of the proceeds raised throughout the week will be split three ways between the two girls’ families and the Randy Shaver fund.

Johnson said this year they’re also shifting from “tackle pink” to “tackle cancer” so that it’s more inclusive. Johnson said the ribbon on the T-shirts designed by high school teacher, Brian Wille, is lavender, as it represents all cancers.

Johnson said it’s likely the students and the team will do a pink out on the night of the game because everyone is familiar with tackle pink and the pink ribbons, but she said at the school they’re really trying to be more inclusive.

Johnson shared what fundraising events are taking place throughout the week.

“We have several teachers who are willing to have their heads shaved so we’ll raise money that way. On Friday the 8th there will be a pep fest at Mahoney Field. We’ll do the hair shaving out there if that much money has been raised,” Johnson said.

Johnson shared some new events that have been added this year.

“I’m going to have a sofa at the end zone. There will be a raffle and you can put your name in to be drawn to sit at the best seat in the house at the home game. The winner and three friends will be served water or pop, popcorn and some goodies from the concession stand,” Johnson said.

A Venmo account has also been set up so that people can easily donate to the cause. Its name is: FairmontFBTackleCancer.

“We’re doing a bake sale at all of the home events. Money raised from that will go toward our fundraiser,” Johnson said.

She explained that previously this week was supposed to be homecoming week, but was switched with Tackle Cancer week so there are a lot of home games scheduled.

There will also be pink cotton candy sold at Friday’s football game.

Johnson said sometimes students want to be involved but are not sure what to do. There will be paper hearts at the school and for a $1 donation, students can write a message in support of someone who has cancer, or in memory of someone, that will be put up in the front hallway at the high school. The hearts will then be taken to the football game on Friday night.

Johnson said she’s also working on a raffle between the grades at the high school. The grade with the highest amount raised will have one name drawn and the winner will receive a big prize.

“The kids will be super excited about the grade competition so maybe we can get some big donations,” Johnson said.

She said that while the fundraising is channeled through the school system, they don’t want to put a lot of pressure on the students. She said sometimes parents send donations with their kids to school.

“Some kids have gone to their parent’s business to ask if it can donate to the cause. We have in the past received some checks from businesses which is great,” Johnson said.

HyVee and Fareway in Fairmont are also doing a round-up fundraiser for the school. If customers round up their bill, that money will go to the cause as well. Fareway’s goes from the Oct. 4 to the 15th and HyVee’s from the 4th to the 9th.

In 2019, almost $4,000 was raised and Johnson would like to see that plus more, especially because the funds will be split three ways. If anyone wants to donate or has questions, they can contact Johnson at 507-236-6843.