Students at Meadow Glade Adventist Elementary School (MGAES) in Battle Ground, Wash., burst into applause as the physical education teacher and principal presented a $1,300 check to a very surprised 14-year-old girl and her family.
"It is so amazing that you care so much about me and what I am going through," exclaimed Ashley Rogers after receiving the donation. "I just can't believe it!"
Last summer, Rogers became inexplicably ill while visiting the Battle Ground area from Mississippi. She was eventually diagnosed with leukemia.
"We were totally shocked," says Melissa Rogers, Ashley's mother.
The Rogers, who are still staying with their relatives in Battle Ground, put their lives on hold to concentrate on their daughter's health. As she improved, Rogers began working out at a local gym, where Josh MacLachlan, MGAES physical education teacher, met her.
"After hearing her story, I really wanted the kids to meet her to help them understand how this disease affects people," says MacLachlan.
Rogers shared her journey during a student assembly, which motivated the school to help. The community also became involved.
"Even the kindergarten kids were bringing in their pennies and dimes to help Ashley," says Brian Allison, MGAES principal.
These dimes, pennies and dollars ended up totaling $1,300 to help the family with their expenses. But more importantly the money raised will give encouragement to Rogers.
"I wanted to help," says Abbie Ross, MGAES fifth grader, "so she would know she isn't alone."
Pictured here: Ashley Rogers (wearing a hat) visits with some Meadow Glade Adventist Elementary School girls.
Josh MacLachlan, Meadow Glade Adventist Elementary School (MGAES) physical education teacher, and Ashley Rogers hold a check that represents the money raised by the MGAES community to support Rogers' fight against cancer.
