On October 18, the stands of Hauppauge High School’s turf field were a sea of pink as the entire school community supported the 17th annual Kicks for Cancer event, which raised around $50,000.

Kicks for Cancer began as a way to honor and support a Hauppauge High School student, Courtney Tomkin, who was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 17. The summer after Courtney was diagnosed, Hauppauge High School’s girl’s varsity soccer goalkeeper, Alexis Gonzalez, went to her coach, Jessica Kulesa, asking how the team could put something together to help Courtney and her family. From that conversation, Kicks for Cancer was born.

Under the Friday night lights, Hauppauge roared with thunderous applause as the girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer teams took to the field wearing special pink uniforms. The boy’s team played Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School, and the girl’s team competed against Comsewogue High School.

Food trucks and tents filled with homemade gift items, food, and Kicks for Cancer gear lined the field. Supporters enjoyed several activities before and during the soccer games, including bounce houses and raffle prizes. The event proceeds went toward research and finding a cure in Courtney’s memory.