Peters middle school students craft bracelets for a cause
Paracord bracelets are made from soft, lightweight nylon rope, which was originally used in suspension lines on U.S. parachutes during World War II.
Making paracord survival bracelets are from left: Kyra Cunningham, Caroline Watson, Tia Mussitsch, Elizabeth Watson, Sarah Bisignani, Mara Rayburg, Mia Toscano, Cassidy Tom and Myah Ryan.
When the mother of the Peters Township Middle School’s beloved youth lacrosse coach passed away of Huntington’s Disease, students Mara Rayburg and Sarah Bisignani felt the need to do something. The 14-year-old girls and the rest of the PTMS Lacrosse team all wore Robert Morris University Lacrosse T-shirts to school, as a way to remember Marian Hoag Phillips and honor their coach, Katy Phillips. But both girls knew that simply wearing a T-shirt wasn’t enough, so they devised a plan. They decided that making and selling bracelets would be a great way to support Coach Katy and show her they cared, as well as to raise money and awareness of Huntington’s Disease.
Mara began to scan the Internet for samples of bracelets and stumbled on one that stood out to her and Sarah – the paracord survival bracelet. Paracord is a soft, lightweight nylon rope originally used as suspension lines on U.S. parachutes during World War II. It is often used by the military and law enforcement for its incredible strength, durability and lightness, and Mara and Sarah agreed that the rope would be perfect for their bracelets. “It is my hope the paracord survival bracelets, which represent survival, strength and durability, can raise sufficient funds to bring these same qualities to the lives of so many who are affected by this terrible disease,” said Renee Rayburg, Mara’s mother.
Huntington’s Disease is a genetic disorder that causes parts of the brain to break down, or degenerate. People with the disease often suffer from rapid, jerky body movements and dementia, and there is no known cure.
Both Katy and her brother have a 50 percent chance of developing the disease.
After the girls and their parents picked up the necessary supplies and learned the techniques needed to make the bracelets, they sprung into action, creating a website and urging fellow classmates to order bracelets via their Instagram accounts. Word spread quickly throughout the middle school. The rest of the youth lacrosse team got involved, helping with everything from making the bracelets to maintaining the website.
“There have been many orders, but lately we were working on making the bracelets for the tournament!” That tournament – the Western Pennsylvania Scholastic Lacrosse Association’s 2013 tournament – was held at St. Vincent College, and a total of $722 was raised.
“My goal in doing this was to raise money and awareness for this terrible disease, and to give back to someone who has given so much to me and the world of lacrosse,” Mara said. “The best thing about this project was being able to get together with my teammates and help a great cause. All we wanted to do was help, and I think that we did a lot more than we thought we would be capable of. I very much enjoyed this project, and I’m sure my teammates did too, even though it can be hard at times.”
Sarah added, “For someone that I care for, Katy, I wanted her to know that not only do I care about her teaching me lacrosse, I care about her, too, and wanted to show everyone what two 14-year-olds are capable of.”
To purchase a paracord survival bracelet, contact mararayburg@yahoo.com or visit www.hdparacord.webs.com. Bracelets are $5 each, and are available in various colors and styles.
Julianna Chen is a sixth grade student at McMurray Elementary School.