Students at Fairfield Union have been wearing a lot more pink than red and black this year, and no one is more surprised than the person who inspired it all – middle school librarian Traci Mahler. When Traci was diagnosed with breast cancer right before the start of the school year, she decided to be upfront with her students about the battle she was about to face.
It came with no warning. One moment, Elijah Crum was relaxing at his boyfriend’s house – the next, he was doubled over with excruciating head pain.
“It was the worst pain I have ever experienced,” Elijah, 18, of Lancaster, recalls. “Everything was getting really hot and then I vomited everywhere. That’s the last thing I remember before I passed out.”
From the EMS who wouldn’t leave her side to the clinicians who cared for her and her family, Nikki Griffin has one word to describe her experience: heartfelt.
Patti Hayes beat cancer twice with the help of a team of doctors and nurses who provided a comprehensive approach to her care.