Hall Students Raise Money to Fight Ovarian Cancer
by Christian Waggoner
April 28, 2009
On Friday April 3, Hall High School helped raise money for ovarian cancer. One of Hall’s faculty members, Barb Fulara, the school librarian, had her last chemotherapy treatment on April 3, which is why students, faculty and staff came together to support her.
Fulara was originally diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in February of 2004. Her cancer was at the worst possible stage of ovarian cancer that she could have. After surgery and sixth months of chemotherapy, she went into remission. She always went to her three month check-ups and everything seemed to be fine.
Then, in November of 2008, Fulara was informed by her doctor that the cancer had relapsed. She had not had anymore symptoms and was surprised to see that it had relapsed. But she said that she “knew in her heart that the cancer was back” when the doctor showed her the blood work. Thankfully, Fulara was able to rid herself of the rest of the cancer. This is when Hall faculty and staff decided they needed to do something to support and honor her.
On the important day of her last chemo treatment, students and faculty were encouraged to wear teal to support the ovarian cancer foundation. Also, Hall's Medical Health Career members made teal ribbon angels that were given to the faculty and staff to keep Fulara in their hearts on her last day of chemo treatments. Trudy Palm, whose daughters were active in helping to raise money at the school, helped design the ribbon angels.
Some of Hall's MHCC members baked and sold cupcakes with teal frosting for $1.00 each to raise money. Hall faculty and students are grateful to Kelly Klingerman, Mrs. Barto and Mrs. Neuhalfen for their generous donations as well. Hall was successful in raising $367.00 for the ovarian cancer foundation in honor of Fulara.
Jan Pini, the school nurse and head of Hall's MHCC was a big help in putting together all of the activities that supported Fulara. When asked to comment on the success of raising all the money, she said,“Thanks to the faculty and staff and the students of Hall High School . We brought joyous tears to Mrs. Fulara. She was touched and comforted by our efforts, so I believe we succeeded in our goal to honor her.”
Fulara was very happy to see that her peers and the students had gone through so much to honor her in the way they did. When asked about how she felt she said, “I was totally touched. I cried. I’ve always looked at Hall students as a cut above the rest. I have no words.”
