by Bryan Holmes
Last school year, English teacher Kari Kopko got together with students to form a club that would help the kids that are battling cancer at Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital. This year it has taken off and became one of the most recognized clubs at Timber Creek.
From the beginning, Kopko was adamant about helping out the kids by making baskets and banners for them to put in their rooms. Over Thanksgiving break the Cancer Awareness Society delivered Thanksgiving baskets to the kids fighting cancer at Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital.
President of the club, senior Jessica Velasquez, takes pride in what the club does for the sick kids. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the brightness on the kids’ faces after they see you walk in with their presents and gifts.” said Velasquez.
Last year, the Cancer Awareness Society only had nine members overall. This year the club has grown to over 30 and students are still asking to get accepted.
Club newcomer, senior Parker MacDonald, is glad that he got the opportunity to partake in this club. “To be able to give back to the community and help out the families means the world to me and I wouldn’t trade that feeling for any amount of money,” MacDonald said.
It is hard to imagine what it would be like to battle cancer. The members of the Cancer Awareness Society make it easier for patients to keep their head up. Vice President, senior Kaela Cook said, “As long as we show them that they are not alone, we are doing our job. We just want to make them feel like they have people rooting for them and that care about them.”
The Cancer Awareness Society will be working at Relay for Life on May 10. The theme for the relay is “Superheroes- saving lives one lap at a time.” Be there to support the cancer survivors and fighters.