For nine months, Jessica Penn had to see her 12-year-old son Avery go through a very difficult journey of fighting cancer.

On Dec. 20, the Wellsville resident got to share her son’s journey in front of a packed crowd during the Montgomery County Pink Out girls-boys basketball doubleheader between Montgomery County and Wellsville-Middletown at W-M’s Roundtree and Johnson Court.

For 19 minutes, Jessica talked about not only how Avery’s cancer affected the family, but the love and support the Penn’s have gotten from the Montgomery County community since March.

“This speech only scratches the surface of what Avery, the family and I have been through and what the community has done for us,” Jessica said.

Jessica was the guest speaker of the Pink Out basketball doubleheader, which returned for its 13th year and honored all of the people who are fighting cancer. She made her speech between the girls and boys games.

“When I was asked to speak tonight, my initial reaction was nervousness,” Jessica said. “I’m not exactly a natural public speaker.”

The Pink Out doubleheader has raised thousands of dollars to help promote cancer awareness since its first began in 2012. This year’s event raised $5,791.84, which includes money from concessions, rally towels and donations. The check was presented between the girls and boys games.

All proceeds go to the Helen Reagan Cancer Fund, which is named in honor of the Montgomery County resident who lost her battle with cancer.

“We were reminded of the incredible strength and support of our community,” Jessica said. “Each year, we come together in the spirit of unity. All of us are driven by a shared purpose to support one another in times of need. When someone in our community is diagnosed with cancer, it’s not just their battle, it’s ours collectively.”

MCHS completed the sweep in the doubleheader, winning 42-39 in the girls game and 101-35 in the boys contest. Both MCHS girls and boys teams earned Traveling Trophies.

Montgomery County senior Aliviah Fischer said after listening to Jessica’s speech, she knows that the Pink Out contest is more than just a game between cross-county rivals.

“It’s always really touching to hear people talk about it,” said Fischer, who played in the Pink Out game all four years. “I haven’t really experienced anyone close to me having cancer, but I always feel like the people who do go through it are the strongest people. I think it’s great that they’re telling people their experiences because it’s great for people to learn and that makes people want to help out.”

Avery Penn, who turned 12 on Dec. 31, was diagnosed with brain cancer in March. He had an inoperable brain tumor called pineal gland germinoma.

“We quickly learned everything we could about germinoma,” Jessica said. “Childhood cancer is rare and germinoma is even more rare. It counts for only 2-3 percent of all diagnosed brain tumors.”

Avery missed the last month and a half of the 2023-2024 school year due to his illness, making visits to doctors in St. Louis and Columbia several times a week. He had to go through rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.

“Why him?” Jessica said. “Why this poor boy? This amazing kid didn’t deserve any of it.”

On Sept. 9, Avery’s radiation treatments ended, giving him a chance to ring the bell. A month later, he rang the bell again, this time it was for remission.

“No more chemo cycles,” Jessica said. “His tumor was completely gone. He overcame what we hope will be the first struggle of his life. We are profoundly proud of this amazing kid who triumphed over so much in just one year. Avery’s strength has inspired us every step of the way and the outpouring of the support from our community has been overwhelming, to say the least.”

For the last several months, the Penn family got help from fundraisers such as Avery’s Day at Mimi’s Shaved Ice and Lemonade Stand in Montgomery City on June 14 and Hero Night Under the Lights at Montgomery County High School on Oct. 18.

Jessica, who works as a nurse at Mexico Veterans Home, said having community support through a crisis is vital.

“Together, we can lighten the load,” she said. “Together, we can show up for one another, whether it’s through a meal, a kind word, a helping hand or simply being present. Community outreach is not just important, it’s essential. It reminds us that no one fights alone. We’re stronger together and that hope thrives when we stand as one. We have felt the profound power of our community through every step of our journey. And we continue to feel it to this day.”

Near the end of her speech, Jessica encouraged the audience to continue to support people with cancer.

“Let’s continue to show up, to give and remind every family that they’re never alone,” she said.