AW Principal, Cancer Survivor Honored During Race For The Cure
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
In July 2009, Anthony Wayne High School principal Jeri Hoellrich was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Quickly, students, staff and the community rallied around her, forming the school’s largest-ever Race for the Cure team.
The 429 participants wore “Jogging for Jeri” T-shirts and converged on downtown Toledo. Hoellrich, worn out from chemotherapy, gathered with supporters at the beginning and ending ceremonies.
This year’s race, scheduled for Sunday, September 26, will be run in celebration of Hoellrich and in memory of Gretchen Skeldon.
In July, Hoellrich threw out the first pitch at a Mud Hens game. On September 26 she’ll lead the survivors’ parade prior to the 5K run/walk.
“I was just flabbergasted when the call came the beginning of August,” Hoellrich said. “I’m not big on a lot of hoopla around me. But since it’s this cause, I can stand a little hoopla.”
While Hoellrich was receiving breast cancer treatment last fall, her father was undergoing radiation treatment for high-risk prostate cancer and her mother was diagnosed with an inflammatory breast cancer and was undergoing the first stage of chemotherapy.
During that time, Hoellrich continued working as principal at Anthony Wayne High School, tending to the needs of her parents and undergoing her own treatment.
Hoellrich is quick to point out not her own strength but the outpouring of support from the community.
Amanda Zoeller, student council advisor, said Anthony Wayne is hoping to beat its record and recruit more than 500 community members to participate in the Race for the Cure this year.
“We think raising $4,000 to $4,500 is a reasonable goal,” Zoeller said.
Student council gathered this summer to plan fund-raisers and an information blitz to raise money and awareness.
During each home game and at special events, student council members are passing out fliers and selling pre-ordered T-shirts.
Gathering last week in the hallway quickly filling with pink ribbons, juniors spoke of their plans for the event.
“We have a lot of people supporting us, so I think we can make it,” Lydia George said.
For some, the event is personal. Derek Schult’s mom Diane has been undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, and his family has participated in the Relay for Life. Katelyn Baker’s grandmother died from breast cancer and her family is involved in Race for the Cure each year. Karlee Proctor’s grandmother survived breast cancer, and she walks and runs in honor of her.
“I like the food at the end,” joked Brian Vogtsberger. “The ceremony is nice, and especially this year since Mrs. Hoellrich is the honoree.”
All AW students – even the young men – plan to wear pink on Friday, September 24 for Pink Friday, a celebratory send-off for Hoellrich.
17th Annual Race For The CureEvent & Registration Information
The Northwest Ohio Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure 17th annual Race for the Cure will start at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 26 with pre-race festivities. The race begins at 9:30 a.m.
Last year, more than 18,000 gathered in downtown Toledo for the event, the largest fund-raising event in Northwest Ohio.
This year’s race will include many changes, including a Team Village, where participants can meet and mingle with their team members before and after the race, and a survivor parade, during which breast cancer survivors will march down Monroe Street toward the start line.
Online registration is available at Brondes Ford in Maumee on Thursday through Sunday, September 23-25. For more information, visit www.komennwohio.org.
Sleep In for the Cure – For those who cannot make it out for race day, the Sleep In for the Cure registration option allows participants to support the race without lacing up their shoes. All participants receive a T-shirt and race bib.
Proceeds – The Komen Northwest Ohio Affiliate has funded $6 million in breast cancer awareness projects in 24 counties in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.
Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the local affiliate stay in the area. The remaining income goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program to fund research.