Online editor
While it was an ordinary Friday night of basketball for many, it was the celebration of a milestone for Linda Dreibelbis, who was honored before the Beech Grove-Lutheran game for being cancer-free for 10 years, as was Julie Page.
The recognition was part of the Beech Grove boys basketball program’s sixth annual Coaches vs. Cancer game.
“I’m all cancer-free for 10 years.” Dreibelbis said. “Wish everybody with cancer could hit that 10-year mark. You feel good doing it, but when we hang around (other survivors) you get the guilt that you survived and you moved on and there are those who are still fighting the battle. So you want to keep up with it and fight the battle.”
Dreibelbis, a lifelong Southsider, has resided in Beech Grove the past 20 years. She hopes the recognition of cancer survivors will elevate the awareness in the community of those fighting the disease.
“That they realize it’s people in the community, it’s your neighbors and every little bit you do will help fight the fight,” Dreibelbis said.
All proceeds from the game were donated to the American Cancer Society, which had a information booth at the game. Pizza and nacho dinners were sold as part of the fundraiser. Pink Coaches Vs. Cancer T-shirts were sold and worn by cheerleaders, students and coaching staffs from the teams.
Coaches vs. Cancer has a personal meaning for Beech Grove athletic director and head basketball coach Matt English.
English has had cancer twice and is in remission. It returned in December of 2016 and he finished treatment in November. His wife, Angela, was on hand assisting with the fundraiser Friday night.
“Last scan everything looked good,” she said.
Beech Grove won 68-49 and are 11-4. The Hornets also won the Chick-fil-A Challenge between the two schools by $29.