September has become synonymous with gold as the local students and community of Bryce Valley join the global movement to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, students of all ages come together to show their unwavering commitment to raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer awareness and research, igniting hope in the hearts of many.
The Bryce Valley schools and community began supporting “Going Gold” for several reasons, but there have been many that it tugs a little deeper with. Shayne Chynoweth, the FACS teacher at Bryce Valley High School is very much passionate about the cause in remembrance of her son that passed away at the age of 5 from DIPG, a rare childhood brain cancer. Along with her husband, Klay, and daughter Allie, they work during the month of September to support the local schools in raising funds and awareness.
You might see within the school walls posters, bracelets, t-shirts, and a very passionate volleyball team that sponsors a “Gold” game each year where they have a bake sale, raffle items, sell t-shirts, and show support to a much needed cause. This year the Piute Thunderbirds joined in the support. In addition to the high school, the Bryce Valley Elementary student council sold lemonade during lunch to raise funds for this special cause.
Childhood cancer affects 1 out of 285 children before they reach the age of 20. The research for childhood cancer is extremely underfunded with receiving only 4% from the government for all childhood cancers. It is the hope of the students at Bryce Valley and the surrounding communities with donations from the different events held during the month of September and the funds raised that they can help make some sort of a difference. The funds raised were donated to Primary Children’s Hospital Cancer Research Center in memory of Jace Chynoweth.
In addition to raising funds, Bryce Valley schools support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by fostering a spirit of unity and compassion among students, faculty, and the local community. By “Going Gold” in September they are not only shining a light on a need for continued research and funding, but also sending a message of hope and support to children and families affected by this devastating disease.
– by Samie Ott
