Pink for a purpose

A tribute to a member of the Carmel family

Pink+for+a+purpose

It’s not every day that you see a hockey player with a pink sticker on his helmet, but that’s what’s happening with Carmel’s hockey team this season.

Each Corsair’s helmet has a black and pink sticker with the letters KG on the back as a way to honor Mrs. Kim Graff, the mother of senior Nate and junior Madison, who passed away in September.

Students and staff have done many different things to show their support and sympathy. Madison is a member of the girls gymnastics team, which has dedicated their season to Madison’s mom with a special team shirt in Mrs. Graff’s favorite color.

The Carmel Hockey team is also lending their support.

Garrett Byrd, an alternate captain of the Carmel hockey team, has been friends with Nate since freshman year. He wanted to honor Mrs. Graff, even though Nate is not on the team.

“I’ve seen memorial stickers before,” Byrd said, “so what better way to commemorate Mrs. Graff then to wear her initials.”

The Graffs loved the gesture. “It means a lot,” Nate said. “It’s my friends showing support for me and my family in a time of need.”

Nate might not be on the team, but he is still very involved with it as the color commentator for the games.

Byrd says that it’s more than slapping a sticker on a helmet. “The stickers show we are more than just a team. We are a family, and families support each other in tough times,” Byrd said. “I know the Graffs appreciate the gesture, and we will continue to show our support. Always.”