Brownwood ISD students held fundraisers during the month of October, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to raise money to help two local cancer patients. Thursday, the funds were distributed to two individuals within the school district.
Brownwood Middle School Digital Media Specialist DaLin Cummings and Brownwood Intermediate School fifth grader Lenzi DeLuna were each presented with checks of $2600 to help with expenses encountered during treatment. Both have been diagnosed with cancer and are currently undergoing chemotherapy; however have a great attitude that they will beat this disease.
“I’m getting ready to get out of this cancer,” said DeLuna who explained she is ready to get back to school next year with her friends. She is currently being homeschooled.
“It is what it is,” said Mrs. Cummings with a smile. She explained that she is fortunate and able to still work with exception of the week following chemo treatments.
Key Club president Austin Robinson stated that being a part of this fundraising effort was special to him and he really took to heart how the disease affects the patients as well as their families.
“This was really a community-wide effort to raise money, and we were excited to represent Brownwood High School and help out,” said Robinson.
A “Pink Out” day was held on Friday, October 26th at both the pep rally and football game. Students, teachers, staff and parents wore pink to school, work and the football game. Pink hats and hair were allowed for the day as well.
BISD’s fundraising campaign was “Leaping for a Cure,” and custom made t-shirts were sold to help raise funds. Robinson explained that 20 BHS students walked through the stands carrying pink pumpkin baskets at the Lions’ football game against Lampasas during the 3rd quarter, asking fans to donate to the cause.
Landmark Life Insurance Company also was a tremendous support in Leaping for the Cure according to Brownwood ISD Superintendent Reece Blincoe. He stated that all of BISD was involved and that the district plans to continue this campaign as an annual event.
“It was as a family, it wasn’t one of us, it was all of us,” said Blincoe. “It was our first year to do this and we’re going to keep this up. We’ll find more people to help.”
After the presentation, Cummings and DeLuna spoke to each other, offering encouragement. They spoke of their treatments and how many they have left.
“It’ll go quicker than you think, it will,” said Cummings to DeLuna. “When you are laid up, reading helps. Just hang in there, stay strong.”
Cummings also had a show of support from the Brownwood Middle School volleyball team. During their games against Llano on October 15th, “Diggin for DaLin” fundraiser was held, raising another $2000 which was presented to Cummings at a recent pep rally. T-shirts and concession sales during the games were also donated to Cummings. Coach Judy Kennedy explained that she coached Cummings as a high school volleyball player and the team wanted to show support specifically for her.
“We did this specifically for DaLin to show our support to her,” said Kennedy. “These girls have a passion for her.”
Kennedy explained that the tournament was dedicated to DaLin. Cheers to “beat cancer,” along with about 20 special posters were hung in both BMS gyms with Bible verses and other words of encouragement.
In a huddle before the game, 8th grade volleyball player Kylie Ellis challenged the team to remember Cummings’ constant battle, “When she’s down or feeling sad, she never stops fighting, we have to remember to never give up or stop fighting (during the game).” Kennedy stated that the girls beat Llano pretty good that night.
Pictured above are Lenzi DeLuna (front) with Jordyn Senkirik and intermediate students that are friends of DeLuna’s.
Below are more pictures of the presentation.
Pictured above are Cummings and her family with BMS students and Coach Kennedy.
DeLuna and Cummings visit about their experience with cancer.
