OPELOUSAS — With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, nine schools in St. Landry Parish are are doing their part to raise awareness.
As parents dropped their students off at Opelousas Head Start, they saw plenty of pink. Inside, the halls and doors are covered. Pre-K teacher Tawaski Gabriel says the colorful displays teach the children about the illness.
"We use images, for instance, I have a ghost set up by my door, so when they walk by and point at the ghost, I can call their attention to what it's for and what it says, " Gabriel said.
Although pink represents breast cancer, this school has a bigger agenda. Teacher Phyllis Johnson says their theme is "Conquer All Types of Cancer."
"In a hope to get rid of all cancer, that's why our theme says Opelousas Head Start is blasting away cancer," Johnson explained.
Many will say preschoolers are too young to understand the concept, but staff disagree.
"It's good to just start talking about it, although they may not comprehend everything, it'll be a familiar word, they'll know that's something they should pay attention to," Gabriel said.
Although the awareness presentation is not inspired by any staff members currently battling cancer, the illness has impacted many. Gabriel says her family has battled breast cancer numerous times.
"I have two twin aunts and a grandmother that had it removed," Gabriel said.
While the school is using the displays to teach the children, for survivors and fighters, it shows support.
"It's something that is definitely been made aware, just to see the different displays set up, it's strength. They see they have their family support and their community support," Gabriel said.
The displays will be up throughout the month. To see more images, click here.
