DUNCAN — When Dhea Hudson was 16, a time when most young girls are enjoying their high school life, her mother was battling cancer. Unfortunately, Dhea’s mom didn’t win that battle.

Now an adult, Dhea spends her days teaching high school students and creating something positive from a sad experience. While the students know her as a teacher and cheerleading coach, they are quickly learning this school year that there’s much more to Hudson.

First, she’s got a win-win attitude. Next, she’s made it her mission this September to color Duncan pink.

It’s all part of the Win-Win Week, which kicks off Sept. 13, in Duncan Public Schools. Hudson said there are numerous activities planned for the week, from plastic pink flamingo and T-shirt sales, to pep assemblies at the elementary schools. If anyone wants a flamingo or one of the other items, they can call the high school office, 580-255-0700 and leave a message for Hudson, or call her cell phone at 580-606-0142.

Hudson said she learned of Win-Win Week at the coaches clinic, when the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association announced it, indicating they would back it statewide.

After Hudson approached the school and some area banks, she was surprised and encouraged by the support she found.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s been easier because so many people are willing to help,” she said.

Win-Win Week is designed to get students actively involved to help develop cancer prevention and awareness programs for their schools and communities. Fundraising plays a huge role in the program’s success, as money raised will be used to help cancer patients in Oklahoma.

“I pulled 50 students out that I thought were good, positive role models, leaders in our school, from athletes, to pom girls, cheerleaders, just a wide variety. Everyone of them said yes,” Hudson said. “They are taking leadership in that too.”

The students are in sophomore, junior and senior classes.

One of those students is senior Payton Atchley. Hudson said that Atchley’s reasons for getting involved were personal, noting that his grandmother was recently diagnosed with cancer and he’s doing it for her.

Another student, Allyson Wilcox, has also had family members affected, some who didn’t win the battle. Hudson said that the general spirit is that all the youth are doing it to honor those relatives.

Having the sponsorship of numerous local banks has made the entire venture possible.

“I went to prominent business people in this town and told them what the plan was and could they offer any ideas or help. I went to Rick Braught and others. People would tell me who to go see. Lynn Vaughn (Bank of Commerce) hooked me up with Robin (Nieman) and she’s led me in the right direction.”

“Robin got the banks to donate a 1,000 pink towels, so we can give them out to everyone who attends the game, and to the opposing team too, so the whole stadium will be pinked out,” she said.

When the event kicks off, the DHS students on Hudson’s committee, will be divided into teams to visit Duncan elementary schools for a pep assembly. At those assemblies, the older students will share some facts about cancer and present each school with a personalized banner “Will Rogers is fighting for...” or “Horace Mann is fighting for ...”. Students and staff at each of the schools will then have all week to write names on the banners of friends or family they know have been affected by cancer.

“I thought if we made it more personal, maybe they’d get more involved,” Hudson said. There’s also a coins for cancer drive, to collect change. Hudson said that items are available at Bank of Commerce and even Red River Technology’s cosmetology class is involved.

“They are selling pink hair extensions,” she said. “So far, it’s just all be word of mouth.” And that has brought in about $2,000.

“Our goal is about $15,000,” she said. We’re hoping that with the flamingos and Coins for Cancer, plus Bank of Commerce has an account set up, that we are a success. All the money stays in Oklahoma.”

Hudson defined the pink flamingo yard ornaments as “adult toilet papering.”

“We’ll put them in your yard, your neighbor’s yard. It’s showing our community support for this. It’s also great for those who don’t want to buy a T-shirt.”



— Toni Hopper is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. She can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 132 or by e-mail at: toni.hopper@duncanbanner.com.