Although the extremely young Butte Central Girls Basketball team would up with a 39-point loss to East Helena on the evening, it was a celebration of sorts as the team and the school hosted the 10th annual Cancer Schmancer Night Tuesday evening at the Maroon Activities Center, remembering the late Mairissa Peoples and honoring all who have passed or have had their lives affected by cancer in any way.

It was nearly 11 years ago that young Mairissa was taken after a courageous and valiant fight against cancer, a fight she chronicled in a journal she named "Cancer Schmancer".  A halftime presentation remembered Mairissa's fighting spirit, but more so her incredible positive attitude.

"The only way to make it through the worst day of your life, or the best day of your life, is to have hope"

-Mairissa Peoples

Mairissa's playing career was cut short by 2 years as she was being treated but one of the fondest memories of Maroon fans was watching her provide the color commentary alongside the late, great Pat Kearney on the radio as the Maroons ended her younger sister's senior season in 2011 with a State Championship.  That younger sister, Quinn Peoples, is now Quinn Carter and in her third season as the Maroons Head Coach and is certainly doing her older sister proud.

A photo of Mairissa, Quinn, Mollie and Danny Peoples is displayed on the BC Jumbotron. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
A photo of Mairissa, Quinn, Mollie and Danny Peoples is displayed on the BC Jumbotron. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
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Maroon supporters wore pink in remembrance of Mairissa and memorial t-shirts were worn by the Maroons in warmups and were also available for purchase.

BC superfan Coach Ronnie Counts displays this year's commemorative shirt. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
BC superfan Coach Ronnie Counts displays this year's commemorative shirt. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
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Fans were left with a final message that Mairissa gave to her younger siblings, Quinn, Danny and Mollie.  "Take advantage of every opportunity you are given and give it everything you have because you never know when it will be taken away from you."

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