– Time For A Tiara: Column by Ginna Young – - An inspiration to everyone

– Time For A Tiara: Column by Ginna Young –

Although I don’t have any children of my own, I have hundreds, perhaps thousands, of youth, who I call “my kids.” I refer, of course, to the students in the communities I live, work and play in – Cadott, Cornell, Holcombe and even Gilman.

Sometimes, you just have an instant connection with a young person and sometimes, your relationship develops over time spent around them. Being in the schools and seeing those students out in the community, gives me ample opportunities to learn about them and talk with them.

I like hearing about their lives, both triumphs and struggles, what plans they have made and the dreams they see for themselves. I get to learn their pets’ names, their favorite colors, foods, movies and fun things to do.

I always try to encourage them and cheer them on, without judging, but maybe a little gentle correcting at times. I’d never want to dash their hopes or tell them their thoughts don’t matter, since I well remember adults in my own life shooting me down and making me feel worthless.

I really feel like I’m part of their lives, like what I imagine a teacher feels like; I dreamed of being a teacher when I was growing up. Even after “my kids” have graduated high school, they remain “my kids.”

No matter how old they get, I love them just the same as I did when they were younger and am so excited to see them, even when it makes me feel old that my kids have kids! It makes me so happy, when they see me and come running, or wave and call out my name. They truly make my world go round and I would be lost without them.

That’s why it hit me extremely hard, when it was announced that one of my kids had been diagnosed with acute promyelcytic leukemia, a rare form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. A senior in high school should think about scholarship letters, college applications, prom dates, and ordering a cap and gown.

Instead, my kid is at Rochester, going through treatment to get back home. Until then, she’s missing her last year in school, playing sports, time spent with friends, parties, dances and festivities, including Homecoming, cheering on her brother in sports and the comfort of familiar surroundings.

All that might break a different person, but not Chloe. She’s the most positive, determined, strong, kind and loving individual I’ve ever known. Nothing will ever hold her down or beat her, and I’m thankful for that; it’s what will get her through.

I first met Chloe when she was either fifth or sixth grade. I was volunteering at the Haunted Trail and Chloe was with her family, helping decorate before the two-night event. I was still kind of new to Holcombe, not as immersed in the schools and communities as I am now, so I really didn’t know much about the Lees, but each of the children quickly became my kids and I consider Shelley to be a dear friend.

Shelley and I were tasked with carrying some props to the area about two-thirds of the way through the trail (for some reason, I want to say there were suitcases?), and Chloe pitched right in, while her twin brother literally ran circles around us.

A normal girl would probably throw what she was carrying at her brother, but Chloe just shrugged, with a smile and rolled her eyes at his antics. (For the record, he really hasn’t changed much. Love you, Trent, please don’t change!)

As we walked, we talked and I was so impressed with how open, honest and gentle Chloe was. I noticed she had a bandage on her hand and she said she had cut it. For the life of me, I can’t remember how or why she injured it, but I remember thinking how amazing she was to use the injury as a learning lesson and was so positive. “It’ll heal, she said, smiling.

Flash forward to high school and Chloe ended up tearing her knee, requiring surgery. Once again, she faced that ordeal with grace and optimism, and didn’t lament missing sports. “It’ll heal,” she said, smiling.

Now, Chloe has some more healing to do, the biggest she’s ever had. I know she’s meeting that challenge head on, with a smile on her face, while more than just our close-knit communities cheer her on. It’s incredible how many school districts have collected money to help out the family, while fundraisers were off the ground almost as soon as we got the news.

I’ve been blown away by the support from everyone, who are rallying around my kid. And this is why I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else! I shouldn’t be surprised at the outpouring, because when you’re as good a person as Chloe and send so much compassion out into the universe, it’s only reasonable that kindness comes back when you truly need it.

If anyone would like to help out the family financially, there are several fundraisers in the works. Reach out to me, I’d be happy to share those with you or you can make a monetary donation, or purchase prepaid gift cards. I’d also be happy to pass on any encouraging cards, letters and messages to her, so she knows she’s not in this fight alone.

I know she and her family would also appreciate any prayers you can send their way, as Chloe “puts the boot to cancer!” In honor of her, remember to live your life #chloestrong.