ANSONIA – Ansonia and Mississinawa Valley schools held their annual Pink Out event in support of a deserving recipient.
Ansonia American Legion Post 353 donates $25 to both the Ansonia and Mississinawa Valley athletic departments for each touchdown scored during every home football game throughout the season. When the Tigers and Blackhawks meet for their Pink Out matchup, Post 353 adds a $25 donation to its regular $25 donation, plus $50 per touchdown scored by either team, with all proceeds going to that year’s honoree.
“We like to support the community,” said Post 353 Commander Jennifer Anthony. “It’s very important that all the young people understand how much support the Legion gives them—that’s part of our creed: supporting children and families.”
“We try—that’s what we’re here for,” added Post 353’s Gary Midlam, “to support kids and the community.”
This year’s Pink Out continued Friday night as both schools remembered Kirsten Schlarman, whose story inspired the event’s creation. The Pink Out began in 2010 when the Ansonia and Mississinawa Valley communities joined forces to support 14-year-old Kirsten, who was on hospice care following a 3½-year battle with bone cancer. Kirsten earned her angel wings on February 18, 2010, and her family vowed to carry on her spirit by helping others in her name.
This year’s honoree is Kierra Reichert, a 22-year-old 2021 Ansonia High School graduate.
Kierra was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (A.L.L.) in December 2024. Surrounded by her family, Kierra chose to focus on healing and to fight with determination and hope. She continues to undergo an intensive treatment plan including chemotherapy, multiple lumbar punctures, and bone marrow biopsies. Her fight is not over—she needs continued community prayers and support as she battles this disease with strength, courage, and grace.
Many attendees wore Pink Out shirts featuring Kierra and Kirsten on the front — symbolizing the event’s beginning and its continuing legacy. The back of each shirt listed all past honorees—some still with us, others watching from Heaven above.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Pink Out game. What began as a tribute to Kirsten Schlarman has grown into a heartfelt annual tradition. Year after year, the community comes together to remind us all that—in Ansonia and Mississinawa Valley—no one fights alone.
