UNLESS Cancer Group

        Robin’s son Sam was a high school helper at Woodland School in the Kimberly Area School District. He shared the story of his mom’s diagnosis of cancer with the students in the fifth grade class that he was volunteering in. The students were saddened and internalized the pain that Sam was going though.

​

        Sadly, this wasn’t their first experience with the word “cancer.” As fourth graders, these same students helplessly watched as one of their classmates passed away from leukemia. They were all too familiar with the harsh reality of the sickness associated with cancer. The teacher’s heart hung heavy also. Robin was a friend.

​

        The next year, the students went back to their fifth grade teacher and asked if there was anything they could do to help Sam’s mom out. They had felt helpless for too long and they genuinely wanted to do something. The teacher and students brainstormed some ideas and they concluded that a school-wide fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society would be a great way to not only help Robin in her fight, but to also support and create awareness for others fighting a battle with cancer. “UNLESS” was born and the students and the teacher felt a sense of direction and purpose. They were energized and inspired to create a positive out of such a sad situation.

​

        With the decision to do the fundraiser fresh in his mind, the teacher went home with a renewed sense of self. This was the part of education that he loved. He loved inspiring his students to reach out to others. He knew this experience would improve their perspective on life. At home, the teacher sat down and took some time to reflect and relax. Hours later the doorbell rang. Upon opening the door he was surprised to see one of his best friends and his wife at the door. They were invited in and sat down to tell some sad news. The friend, Chad Welhouse, went on to explain that he had stage four lung cancer. This was the same type of cancer that Robin had just been diagnosed with! It just didn’t seem possible. How could two people that the teacher knew personally be diagnosed with the same form of cancer in such a short period of time? Why did it happen that very day? In an unexpected twist of fate, the fundraiser took on amplified meaning.

The students and teacher moved forward and the fundraiser went on as scheduled. Tears were shed, knowledge was gained, stories were shared, and support GREW!

​

        Time has now passed and for 8 years, the UNLESS fundraising campaign has been run at Woodland School in Kimberly. Recently, the event has grown to include other schools in the district and has found support from communities near and far. Many of the original students from that fifth grade class, now juniors, have continued to support and fundraise for UNLESS. To date, the students, staff, and community members of our area have raised over $190,000 dollars for the American Cancer Society and other cancer support efforts!

​

        We are creating awareness; we are making a difference, all because some fifth graders and a teacher wanted to help.