OAK HILL — A movement that began early last year, spurred by friends and family members of the late Terri Lynne Massey, reached around the country throughout the year, wrapping breast cancer survivors and family members and friends of breast cancer victims together in a pink ribbon scarf 3000 feet in length.

The pink ribbon scarf, in recognition of the Breast Cancer Awareness pink ribbon, has been knitted by hundreds of individuals in memory of those lost to breast cancer, and in honor of those who still are battling the disease.

Massey lost her battle on Oct. 29, 2009, at the age of 39.

At the kickoff of the Terri’s Tribute campaign started by the T-Team, The Fayette Tribune’s Steve Keenan wrote, “When Terri Lynne Treadway Massey lost a courageous, four-year battle with breast cancer, her friends and family helped her find peace by making a promise.

“That pledge — to take care of her three children — has inspired a scholarship fund to ensure that her children, and other children who have lost a parent to breast cancer, will go to college.

“With help from Denise Light at Fayette County National Bank and the permission of Terri’s family, the newly formed T-Team opened a savings account, which they envision will grow into a charitable trust for children of breast cancer victims.”

Donations to the fund will go to ensure each of Terri’s three children gets a college education, “but it will help other children who’ve lost a parent to breast cancer, too,” said Melanie Lafferty, a longtime friend and next-door neighbor of Terri’s. “And the fundraising efforts we’ve planned will help all of us find a place to funnel our energy, our sadness and express our love of Terri.”

One way to funnel that energy, express their sadness and love for Terri, was the creation of the pink ribbon in time for the Fayette County American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in June.

The ribbon became a reality and draped the fence around the Oak Hill High School track, as well as the stadium bleachers. But that was just the beginning.

The resulting scarf took on a life of its own, with each new stitch adding to the length, but more importantly to the message; with each foot representing the love and memories of those lost to the disease; and with each memorial easing the grief of those left behind.

It was displayed at various locations, including at Tamarack — it draped around the building twice — for the entire month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Cindy Whitlock of Oak Hill, marketing director at Tamarack and one of the original members of the T-Team, said the latest milestone was reached as 2010 wound down.

“We still are getting the ribbon pieces. We got a 7-foot piece just last week that put us at one foot over 3000,” she said.

“We hope there’s a lot of knitting going on this winter (since) you can’t really do too much else,” she laughed.

Pressed about goals for the ribbon, she said, “I think 2011 is the mile year,” anticipating the incredible length.

Tamarack, she said, plans to display the ribbon again in October, and “I think the mall wants to display it in May for Mother’s Day.”

There’s also a nursing sorority in Ohio that will get at least part of the ribbon and a display and a presentation for its state meeting in the spring.

Anyone who would like to add a knitted or crocheted piece to the scarf may do so by dropping it by the main branch of the Fayette County Public Library in Oak Hill or at Tamarack in Beckley. To knit a piece for the pink scarf, knit on No. 13 needles, casting on 25 stitches and knit as long as the skein allows. To crochet, use a Size G hook, 25 loops, then single crochet one row and double crochet the rest.

Once T-Team members decide the scarf project has run its course, it will be divided into baby blankets and lap blankets so that it may benefit others.

If you’re interested in making a donation to the Terri’s Tribute Fund, visit any Fayette County National Bank branch.

Donors should mark their checks “Terri” or “General” or “Both.” Money earmarked for Terri’s children will be set aside from the general fund. If a check is marked ‘both,’ it will be divided between the two line items. Oak Hill High School or Fayetteville High School students who have lost a parent to breast cancer will be the eligible recipients for the ‘general’ portion of Terri’s Tribute. Eventually, a charitable trust will be set up with more detailed criteria in hopes continual donations will grow to reach more and more students.

“Unfortunately, Terri is not the only mom, sister, neighbor, friend, wife or daughter this community of ours has lost to breast cancer,” said Denise Light of FCNB, a breast cancer survivor. “So we encourage anyone who’s been touched by breast cancer to contribute to this fund, which will help the children who’ve lost so much.”

For details about donations, call or stop by FCNB locations in Fayetteville, Oak Hill or Ansted. Donations may be mailed to Terri’s Tribute, FCNB, P.O. Box 209, Fayetteville, WV, 25901.

You may e-mail terristribute@yahoo.com with any questions.

— E-mail:

ckeenan@register-herald.com