At Gardens Elementary School, the pink ribbons that can be seen covering school windows and doors and that are pinned to the shirts of students aren’t just a new fad … they are a small step toward a huge cause.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Gardens Student Council has been busy selling breast cancer ribbons and wristbands raising more than $500 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

But the month of October isn’t the only motivator behind the students’ efforts. Breast cancer has become a reality for Gardens Elementary students as their dyslexia and intervention teacher Paula Hagan was recently diagnosed with the disease.

“I am so touched by the outpouring of love and support the faculty, staff, parents and students have shown me over the last couple of months,” Hagan said. “I am especially moved by our students because they have very little materially, but they are always willing to help others and they continue to give.”

Andrea Luna, the student council sponsor, said she explained breast cancer to the students.

“I hope the students understand that all the money we have raised will go to the foundation to help find a cure for the cancer and help patients pay for medical expenses,” Luna said. “The student council students explained this concept to the other students when they were selling ribbons and wristbands.”

Fundraising has served as an educational experience for the students in more ways than one.

“The students have learned how to think about those in their community that are in need of help through the generosity of others,” Luna said. “They have become more aware of doing something positive for people they don’t even know and their thoughtfulness allows them to motivate the school to donate money for a wonderful cause.”

Student council member Iszach Barron said he learned how to raise money and be responsible for keeping track of it.

“I think this was successful because we had a lot of teamwork in the school,” the fourth grader said. “The money will help buy new medicines and buy more of what is needed for those who are sick with this disease.”

Hagan said the students’ efforts have motivated her to talk to others about the Komen Foundation and the importance of supporting breast cancer research, treatments and awareness.

The students weren’t the only ones raising money for the cause. Teachers paid $5 per Thursday to be able to wear jeans and pink shirts on Passionately Pink Thursdays, which brought in more than $600 for the foundation. More than 30 teachers also participated in the Komen Houston Race for the Cure on Sept. 30.

“I hope our students learned that they are the cure,” Hagan said. “Their donation will go a long way and help many people. Gardens is truly a ‘family,’ and they have shared in this disease with me. There are no words to thank them enough.”