Local students from Madisonville North Hopkins High School collected money to support five mammograms for patients with a financial barrier to care seeking services at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville’s Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center.
“Humbled doesn’t begin to describe what I am feeling right now,” said Micki Clark, English teacher at MNHHS. “The fact that my students would take it upon themselves to pool their money as a way to honor me and others in our community is simply amazing. The heart that this younger generation has for others is astounding, and I am so blessed to be able to know them and to lead them in any small way that I can.”
Students contacted the Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center to let them know that they would like to make a donation towards helping local men or women who need mammograms after learning about their teacher’s journey with breast cancer.
“Our youth never cease to amaze me,” said Heather Tow, nurse navigator for the Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center. “They witnessed someone they love undergo something that is very scary, and because of that, and because of the role that she plays in their lives, they decided to do something about it to help others. Because of the thoughtfulness of a group of high school students, someone may have the chance to discover breast cancer before it advances or ease their mind that they are cancer free. That is a powerful gift to give during this holiday season.”
On behalf of the student body and faculty, Mrs. Clark’s class presented representatives for Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville with their donation on Thursday, November 17, in the school lobby to express their excitement over being able to make a difference in the life of someone else.
“We have been receiving more and more support from our local community,” said Austin Elliott, director of philanthropy. “While it is great to gain the support of civic organizations and adults in our regional area, there is something so special about a group of high school students giving back. This speaks volumes about the upcoming generation of leaders that Hopkins County is producing, and together, we are all a force for good.”
For more information, please contact Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville Foundation at 270.825.5783.