Bellefontaine Intermediate Schools students and staff came together earlier this month for a cancer awareness and fundraising event in honor of a beloved fourth-grade teacher at the school, Lori Horn.
The “Her fight is OUR fight” event featured various activities, including a carnival for students and walking laps around the blacktop. The day’s activities brought in $4,164.50 for Mrs. Horn on her journey, school officials said.
The students and staff have missed Mrs. Horn for most of this school year, following her Oct. 9 diagnosis and intensive treatment for stage 3 triple negative breast cancer.
Tammy Overholser and Jon Reminder helped to chair the event. Overholser noted that Mrs. Horn typically helps to organize the school’s spring cancer-fighting event.
“Mrs. Horn holds a special place in the BIS staff/students hearts. It was great listening to all the laughs from the students while supporting her journey,” she said.
“With this event the student’s realize they are not alone in a journey like this. Mrs. Horn normally helps me chair this event, so this was definitely different.”
All the students in the school got to participate. Mrs. Horn’s family also was able to attend to participate in the kick-off ceremony.
Students and staff also were also given an overview and update on Mrs. Horn’s cancer journey. She had a procedure the day prior to the event, so she was not able to attend in person.
“This type of cancer is very aggressive, so I had to start treatment quickly,” she said in a statement read during the event. “ I had my first chemotherapy treatment on Oct. 28, 2021. Over the last eight months, I have had 16 chemotherapy treatments and 4 surgeries with my most recent being May 12.
“During this journey, I have never asked why me. I chose to face cancer head on with a positive attitude because that’s just who I am. I would not wish this horrible disease on anyone, but I have learned some very valuable life lessons. “
She encouraged the BIS students to “live life to the fullest and never give up. You are so much stronger than you will ever know.
“I have the best school support anywhere. I am truly blessed to work at Bellefontaine City Schools where I have had so much love and support from students and staff. We have an amazing community where people are truly caring and compassionate.”
Mrs. Horn said she plans to return to school for the 2022-23 school year.
“I do know with all my heart that I will return to BIS, the most wonderful school anywhere, next school year.”
Throughout the school year, Overholser noted that the school has raised money to support Mrs. Horn’s journey and medical expenses through other events as well.