Allison Flynn • allison@rutherfordweekly.com
Thursday, July 16, 2015 8:49 am

The Forest City Owls will again trade in their green and gold jerseys to go pink on July 18 during the fourth annual Pink Out Night, sponsored by Rutherford Regional Health System.

The event serves as a celebration of breast cancer survivors in the community and also serves as a means to raise cancer awareness and funds for helping those who are undergoing treatments.

"All proceeds from the silent auction will be used by the RHI Legacy Foundation to provide cancer screenings and support programs," said Jill Miracle, executive director. "One hundred percent of funds raised will be dedicated to cancer patients in our community."

A silent auction of Owls items will be held beginning at 4 p.m. before the game begins at 7:50 p.m. Six pink bats signed by members of the Owls and 30 jerseys will be available. Minimum bids may be placed or the item purchased outright for a "buy-it-now" price.

Members of the Pink Ladies Cancer Support Group will walk the bases during the second inning. The first pitch of the game will be thrown by Sheryl Owens, who has supported the event and the Owls for many years.

"I've been involved with Pink Out for several years," Owens said. "My mother died of breast cancer, and I have a lot of cancer in my family."

Because of her family history with the disease, Owens said it wasn't an if she'd get cancer, but rather a when. She wasn't surprised when she discovered a lump in her breast earlier this year.

"I was very blessed because no lymph nodes were involved because I caught it early," she said. She credits that to monthly self-breast exams. "The minute I felt something wrong with the skin I knew something was there."

She is now cancer free, but is undergoing chemotherapy treatments just to make sure cancer isn't lurking anywhere else.

The Owls team mom is honored to have been asked to throw out the first pitch, and said the support from those she's housed over the years has been overwhelming.

"They all have been by since I was diagnosed - coming from Ohio, New York - just to make sure I'm OK," she said. "I have a ton of sons now, not just the one. They are all very dear to my heart.

"Pink Out is a great reminder that breast cancer isn't a death sentence - it's a life sentence."

Tickets for the game may be purchased in advance online at forestcitybaseball.com or at McNair Field on July 18.