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Sierra Sharp

JRN 270: For Print


Word count: 646
Hypothetical print date: Thursday, May 9, 2013 (Newest edition of the DCH is
available on newsstands in Ava every Thursday)
Hypothetical newspaper: Douglas County Herald (Ava, MO)

The support of a community can mean a world of difference when a family
has been met with adversity. Ava high school English teacher Ron Orcutt was
informed of his cancer just a few short months ago after a near death experience. In
times like these, the support of a small town community can raise ones spirits to
keep fighting.
Orcutt first thought he had the common flu or bronchitis. After visiting a local
doctor, he learned he had gained 20 pounds without reasonable cause. He was
immediately urged to visit the hospital in Springfield.
The detection of fluid around Orcutts heart and lungs sent him straight for
the operating room. The surgeons removed 5 to 6 liters of fluid, which explained his
sickness and weight gain. Orcutt said, I was barely alive after the surgery, but my
youth helped me bounce back.
After many tests, it was revealed that Orcutt had cancer. He has spent the last
several weeks in and out of the hospital. The doctors have yet to determine the type
of cancer; however, they have started Orcutts treatment with a couple of general
chemo sessions.
Orcutts children Shelagh and Davyn have been right by his side through it all,
giving him support emotionally, physically, and mentally. At first, the kids did not
know how to feel, but the past few months have given them a new perspective on
things.
I have a better outlook on life: do something with the life youre given,
Shelagh said.
Since Orcutt has been diagnosed, the community has begun to reach out to
help the family in their great time of need.
The school and community has been incredibly helpful, Ron said. Shelagh
agreed and that she feels fortunate to be from a small town.
Collection cans were placed in the classrooms at the high school. Roughly
$300 was raised in that effort.
During the weeks of standardized testing, principal Teresa Nash allowed
teachers to wear jeans for $1 a day. Add the funds from that to a benefit dance put
together by junior Amber Henderson and consumer science teacher LeAnne
Tomlinson; another $200 was raised for Orcutts medical costs.
I cried when I heard what was going on. Mr. Orcutt is one of the most
amazing teachers. My sister and I came up with the idea with Mrs. Tomlinson
becausewe love Mr. Orcutt! Henderson said.
As for what the future holds: a banquet in June to raise additional funds for
Orcutts medical expenses, several more chemo sessions, and a move.
Orcutt said his family plans to sell their home and move to either Springfield
or the St. Louis area depending on how often he will need treatment, essentially
making life a little easier.
No matter where he goes, the support of this community will never diminish.
It never did when volleyball, cross country, and track coach Liz Kyger was
diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.
After two surgeries, several months of chemotherapy, and a month of
radiation, Kyger was deemed cancer free in 2009. During this time, the high school
showed their support by holding a head shaving event entitled No Hair Cuz We
Care where several men and two women went bald to help raise over $4,200 for
Neighbor Helping Neighbor, the local cancer relief foundation.
Kyger believes it was both her love for running and the support of the
community that helped her defeat cancer.
Orcutt, who has made maximum effort to live healthy by eating clean and
staying active in soccer and kayaking, finds it ironic that the two healthiest
teachers in the Ava school district have been knocked down by cancer.
But cancer did not stop Kyger from fighting and certainly will not stop Orcutt
from pressing on. As Orcutts future is unknown, the community has the trust and
belief that this small town will have not just one cancer survivor but two.

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