One of the biggest games of the year between Armada High School and Richmond High School became a common ground in the fight against cancer on Friday, September 16 at the “Rivals Against Cancer” football game.

Armada High School senior Sarah Herbert was the inspiration behind this great event. She saw an opportunity and dedicated more than three months organizing a fundraiser to benefit the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, where she raised more than $10,000.

“I saw that Romeo (high school) did a fundraiser similar to this, and it was huge. So, I thought it would be nice to get Armada High School involved in giving back to the community,” Sarah said.

Having had several of her family members diagnosed with cancer, as well as one of Armada High School’s own recently diagnosed, gave her all the more motivation.

“We started planning the fundraiser for breast cancer research, but we wanted to reach out and help more people, so we decided the money raised should go to general cancer research. Not just for one specific type.”

Sarah raised money through pink “Rivals Against Cancer” T-Shirt sales, sponsorships, advertising, raffles and other activities preceding and during the game.

While Sarah spearheaded and was the driving force behind the fundraiser, she received support from the Armada High School Student Senate and other groups within the school. In fact, Armada football players donned pink jerseys and Richmond football players sported pink socks during the game in support of the fundraiser. The majority of fans in attendance were showing their support by wearing pink “Rivals Against Cancer” shirts.

At half time, Sarah, along with a representative from Karmanos and group of cancer survivors, walked out to the 50 yard line to thundering applause and cheers from the crowd. Sarah was presented with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in appreciation for her outstanding community service from Michigan Congresswoman Candice Miller.

"All of us at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute are inspired by young people like Sarah. Our scientists and researchers are hard at work to find better treatments and cures for cancer. Donations from fundraisers like the Rivals Against Cancer football game help them in their endeavors and make it possible for us to continue helping thousands of patients each year,” said Nick Karmanos, Senior Vice President of Institutional Relations at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.