Cancer Warriors - Chrisman shows support for counselor

Vonda Witt has been overwhelmed with the level of support she has received from the students, teachers and parents at William Chrisman High School.
A counselor at the Independence high school, Witt was diagnosed with breast cancer during a biannual mammogram in August. After a mastectomy, she said she is going through chemotherapy to make sure the cancer has been completely removed. But the support continues.
“I feel more blessed and more loved than I ever have,” she said. “I truly am overwhelmed with all of the support I have received.”
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of this and to support Witt, William Chrisman students and staff have been participating in “Bears for Vonda,” a fundraising effort to collect money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure, for the last two weeks. Students were able to donate $1 per ticket to be entered into a drawing. Six names were drawn to see who got to shave the hair off staff members’ heads. These included principal Mike Becker; history teachers Jim Pickett and John Straub; vice principal Justin Woods; counseling registrar Jeanette Wickman and counseling secretary Diane Bennett. Almost $200 has been raised through the fundraiser.
“I am not surprised about how the students have gotten behind this and behind Mrs. Witt,” said Canise Salinas, William Chrisman assistant principal. “Since I came here three years ago, this building has been all about building relationships. So to have these kids go all out for one of their teachers in this way is not a surprise.”
In addition to Bears for Vonda, another fundraiser will take place next week called Wig-out for Witt. Students will be able to donate $1 to wear a wig in support of Witt, as well as come clad in pink for breast cancer awareness.
“I have never felt so much love and family spirit in one place. I like coming to school because of the support I have here. This is my positive place,” Witt said. “We all talk about it and kids ask questions. This is such a close-knit community, and it has been so welcomed.”
William Chrisman teacher Terry Parker said it is because of the environment at the high school that students want to help one of their own.
“They are always doing something to help each other or to help a teacher,” he said. “I think that is part of the culture here at William Chrisman – the family atmosphere that has been created.”