Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
H-M-S students hold cancer fundraiser
H-M-S fourth grader Madilyn Steuben gets one of her ponytails lopped off by Cari Rieck Friday afternoon. Steuben donated her hair to Locks of Love.
Madilyn Steuben holds up her ponytails after her haircut for Locks of Love on Friday afternoon.
Kathy Japenga and Ally Ebel present Brent and Kristin Thorn with cards for Brent's mother, Donna, who is undergoing cancer treatment. Kristin teaches preschool at H-M-S Elementary.
H-M-S Elementary students watch balloons soar into the sky in honor of cancer patients, survivors and victims Friday afternoon during the school's annual cancer awareness event.
If there's such a thing as an emotional haircut, it took place last Friday at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn.
In front of a packed gymnasium, fourth grader Madilyn Steuben chopped off her hair for Locks of Love. Steuben's selfless act was part of the elementary school's annual cancer awareness event that raised $1,870.21 thanks to contributions from students and staff.
"This is the coolest thing you could do for somebody, Madi," said P.E. teacher Janet Prins, who organized the event. "You don't even know who's going to get it and you're going to do it for them. That's pretty awesome."
During the event, H-M-S Elementary honors a staff member or one of their family members affected by cancer. Selected this year was Donna Thorn, who is the mother-in-law of preschool teacher Kristin Thorn. Donna was diagnosed with lung cancer and is currently undergoing radiation treatments.
Elementary Principal Ashley Benz read a statement on behalf of Donna, who could not be in attendance at the special assembly. She was grateful and overwhelmed by the support and also thanked Steuben for her thoughtful gift.
"It is overwhelming the love we feel from the Hawk family. You truly know how to lift others up when they are going through tough times," she wrote. "We couldn't be more thankful and grateful to all of you."
All money raised on Friday will be donated to the Abben Cancer Center in Spencer, where Donna is receiving treatments.
"Some of you may not know Donna, and some of you may not know the Thorns. But it doesn't matter in our school because when someone needs help and support, we're gonna do it," said Prins.
As always, Friday's event was capped by a balloon release outside of the building. Students and staff released multi-colored balloons in honor of those who have cancer, had cancer or lost their lives to cancer.
Prins was proud of the students for showing love and support to Donna Thorn and other cancer patients.
"Just know all of us here at school are thinking of you," she said.
