Lowell woman makes Pink Arrow Pride happen along with husband and other volunteers

By EMMA PALOVA

LOWELL, MI-When Teresa Beachum received a phone call from varsity football coach Noel Dean, she stepped up to take action.

Dean was telling her about a wife of a football player who was sporting a pink jersey at an NFL game.

The pink symbolized breast cancer. An idea was born seven years ago that has grown into a phenomenon.

The two wondered if the Lowell Football team would be strong enough to carry some else’s name on the shoulder of their pink jerseys.

“We wanted to honor those on a cancer journey or in memory of,”she said.

Beachum lost her brother Jeff Timpson to cancer.

The Pink Arrow Pride symbolizes the pride the players have to have to represent someone else, she said.

The Pink Arrow VII game against Chicago Hubbard is scheduled this year for Sept.5.

The Survivor’s Lap precedes the game from the Lowell High School down to the stadium.

“Everybody comes together, the fire and the police department, the band and the churches,” Beachum said.

This is followed by a victory lap around the stadium.

“The view is a sea of pink, the field, the goal post and even the trash cans,” she said.

And something new is added every year like fireworks last year.

But, there is more to this than just the game in pink.

“It teaches students how to channel grief and their emotions,” she said.

The Pink Arrow Pride has so far raised one million dollars. This money goes toward programming at Gilda’s Club, medical student scholarships, assistance to cancer survivors and Lowell Community Wellness.

“It has grown into a new dimension of playing for a cause,” Beachum said.

The two scholarships are Dr. Donald Gerard’s and Kathy Talus.

Beachum stays involved year round with the Pink Arrow Pride. Together with Ethel Stears, she delivers gifts to cancer survivors.

“I wanted to support the cause because everyone knows someone who has walked the cancer journey,” Beachum said.

The t-shirt sales have brought in $8,000 alone during the last worst seven years in economy.

“Cancer does not discriminate,” she said. “It strikes the young, the old, retirees and students.”

In the weeks prior to the game, Perry and Teresa Beachum turn their house into a Pink Arrow Pride stronghold with brochures, logos and promotions everywhere.

“The logo is customized and every year we add new things, “she said.

For their efforts, the couple has been awarded as the Chamber People of the Year.

For more info go to:

http://www.pinkarrowpride.org

Copyright (c)2014 story by Emma Palova, photos by Pink Arrow Pride