After rounds of chemotherapy, the doctors told
him that his cancer was in remission. However,
five weeks into the football season, the coach
noticed a lump on his side and checked into the
emergency room. Through a CT scan, doctors
found a two-inch cancer mass.
His mother added that no one can imagine the
burden placed on someone who is diagnosed
with breast cancer, so giving encouragement
and helping out through initiatives like Colors
for Caring can truly mean a lot.
SUPPORTING THE MANY
Maberry started a more aggressive cancer
treatment to ensure that all the cancer cells die.
The husband and father of two explained that
he has good days and bad days. On those harder
days, he said he finds strength through his faith
and the community support he receives through
the Colors for Caring initiative.
“Seeing the community pep rallies, seeing the
kids here and how they’ve responded—the
green outs, the video that they made for me—
was unbelievable,” he expressed as he fought
back tears. “I’ve cried so many tears through
this entire time, and it’s not for sadness. It’s for
extreme joy of what these people have done for
me.”
Peña encourages her children to take part
in Colors for Caring every month.
On the day after Christmas, Maberry received
good news that his cancer has reduced by 90
percent. He will continue a few more rounds of
chemotherapy then undergo a PET scan to see
if he is in complete remission. If he is, he will
have a stem cell transplant.
T
imberview High School teacher Kimberly
Peña said that she unfortunately has many
reasons to participate in the Colors for Caring
initiative, but she is happy to do so.
SUPPORTING THE ONE
Peña’s cousin died at the age of 12 from
stomach cancer, and her sister-in-law died from
breast cancer years ago. Currently, her aunt has
liver cancer, her uncle has prostate cancer, a
close friend has carcinoid cancer, and a church
member has thyroid cancer.
On MISD’s Colors for Caring days, Peña often
posts a picture using the #ColorsforCaring
hashtag to let people know who she is
supporting.
Aidyn Mitchell (right) wears his cancer
support shirt for his best friend’s mom.
“I try to do a different color every month,” she
said. “Most of the time when I post about my
support, they comment or text a thank you.
They’re very appreciative, even if it’s just to put
a smile on their face for that day in the midst of
their struggles.”
T
he Mitchells realized how powerful a kind
gesture can be after they found out a close
family friend had breast cancer.
Cora Spencer Elementary School student Aidyn
Mitchell and his mom made support shirts for
Heather Harper, a former volunteer at the
school. They also accepted gift cards for Harper
in lieu of gifts at his little sister’s birthday
party.
The avid Colors for Caring supporter said
rallying around others who are going through
a difficult time is important to her, and she
encourages the entire community to do the
same.
“It’s not all about getting,” said the 9-year-old.
“Giving makes you feel better than getting. It
made me feel good to know that I was helping
her in some way.”
The remaining MISD Colors for Caring days are
Jan. 14, Feb. 4, March 4, April 1 and May 6.
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