Early College High School (ECHS) senior Aneesa Cedillo has raised awareness for childhood cancer since she was in middle school after battling a rare type of cancer at just six years old. She spent 11 months undergoing chemotherapy, which caused her to repeat the first grade. Although she is now 11 years cancer-free, she continues to deal with the long-term effects of her treatment. This year, her journey has inspired multiple schools in Tyler ISD to support the effort to help local kids currently battling cancer.
At Tyler High School, students participated in “Stick It to Cancer” by sticking Principal Claude Lane, who was Aneea’s principal when she attended Moore Middle School, to the wall during lunch. Students purchased a strip of tape for $2, and the goal was to have enough tape to hold up Mr. Lane so that when the stool he was standing on was removed from under his feet, Mr. Lane would remain attached to the wall.
“Ever since we first started at Moore Middle School, she wanted to help those with childhood cancer,” Mr. Lane said. “This year, we’ve teamed up to raise awareness and school spirit, and I can’t think of any other way to do this than to teach our kids to give back.”
Aneesa was able to help stick Mr. Lane to the wall. “It’s so good to see things come full circle, especially since it’s my senior year,” Aneesa said. “It’s so good to see that our efforts to spread awareness for childhood cancer have come so far. I want kids to know that they are not alone and that they have a support system.”
Donations will be delivered to the Gold Network of East Texas next week.