LJHS teacher, student walk in memory of their parents
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Losing a parent is never easy.
Lebanon Junior High teacher Karrie Whitsel and eighth grader Darby Thompson have weathered the tragedies in their lives and formed a bond that goes deeper a teacher-student relationship.
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Both young women will be walking in Saturday's Relay for Life, in memory of their parents.
Whitsel, 30, lost her father eight years ago, after he battled lung cancer for 20 years. The 14-year-old Thompson's mother died of breast cancer six years ago.
"It's been hard, but Relay helps with that (coping)," Thompson said. As of last week, she had raised nearly $500. "I feel like I am giving back and making a difference for other people."
Whitsel, who is also the chair of the entertainment committee, will be participating in her fifth Relay for Life.
"It's a really positive thing to come out of something that is a negative experience," Whitsel said. "This is a good way to deal with grief and a way to help."
Whitsel said growing up knowing her father had cancer made her value the time she had with him even more.
"We were always very close," she said. "He was an amazing role model."
She added that she admired his fighting spirit and his vow to make it until she — the youngest of his children — graduated college, and he did just that by a few months.
"It was hard, but everything happens for a reason," Whitsel said.
Sharing their experiences has also helped Whitsel and Thompson to bond while they spread the word about their cause.
"It feels good to know I have people behind me and supporting me, like I'm not alone," Thompson said.
In an effort to raise additional funds, the junior high is holding a raffle to allow two students to be "principal for a day."
Lebanon's Relay for Life begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Warren County Fairgrounds. Events on Saturday include a live auction, car show and music.
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4507 or rycook@coxohio.com.
