Sunday, November 15, 2026
South Side High School athletes found another reason to celebrate their victories this October, turning their success on the playing fields into more than $10,000 in support of local women battling breast cancer.
Score for Breast Cancer, a community fundraising initiative benefiting the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition, expanded dramatically this year, growing from two varsity soccer teams in 2025 to 20 fall teams across junior varsity and varsity sports.
The initiative raised $10,250, surpassing the $6,500 collected during its inaugural year, according to organizer Kristen Stucchio-Suarez, a Rockville Centre resident and breast cancer survivor.
“It’s going to help about 20 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in [Mount Sinai] South Nassau Hospital,” Stucchio-Suarez said.
The fundraiser invited community members to pledge a dollar amount for every victory their chosen South Side team recorded during October. Supporters also could make one-time donations or cap their contributions, allowing families, alumni and local businesses to participate at whatever level they chose.
“It’s really just monetizing the team’s success,” Stucchio-Suarez said. “The community can be a part of the Cyclones’ success, get involved, watch them play, and the athletes have something in addition to play for beyond the win itself.”
“When Kristen reached out to expand the Score for Breast Cancer fundraiser, I was so excited to get our student-athletes, coaches, and teams involved in such a meaningful cause,” said South Side High School athletic director Patrick Maguire. “While success on the field and court is always a goal, initiatives like this and Play 4 Mary truly reflect our core values. I could not be prouder to be part of such a caring and supportive community.”
The fundraiser began last year after Stucchio-Suarez, whose children played varsity soccer, considered how the teams could support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Rather than purchasing pink apparel, she envisioned a low-cost way to translate athletic accomplishments into donations.
With assistance from Maguire, coaches, athletes and coalition volunteers, the idea became Score for Breast Cancer. Last year’s participating boys’ and girls’ varsity soccer teams generated pledges based on goals scored and shutouts recorded.
The expansion this fall included designated student ambassadors on participating teams who helped promote the fundraiser through social media.
For Stucchio-Suarez, the cause is personal. Diagnosed five years ago, she said the coalition’s support helped her navigate the experience. The organization provides financial assistance and emotional support to women throughout more than 40 South Nassau communities.
Treatment can bring unexpected expenses, including copayments, transportation and parking, she said, creating additional burdens for patients.
The coalition distributes financial assistance while connecting women with others who have experienced breast cancer, offering opportunities to share information, receive counseling and find support.
The fundraiser, Stucchio-Suarez added, has grown beyond her expectations, demonstrating the community’s generosity and empathy.
“It’s so great to know that people care within our community,” she said. “There’s a lot of empathy here and very generous donations. So really, just thank you.”
Although October team-win pledges have concluded, one-time donations remain available through the coalition’s Score for Breast Cancer donation page at RvcBcc.org.
