Student Senate helps fundraise for Coaches vs. Cancer

This month in December, the Student Senate plans a number of events. Some pivotal events help fundraise for Coaches vs. Cancer.

Santa letters, dress up days and canes for a cause are a number of memorable events that the student senate has held before. However, as noted by Student Senate VP Marcus Tomlyanovich, this year, the student senate has partnered up with the Coaches vs. Cancer program for the first time.

The Coaches vs Cancer program is a nationwide program that raises money for cancer research. Additionally, the program also raises awareness and helps cancer patients and their families. For more information head to their website. 

Pushing the Cedar Falls High School movement forward, David Welter, a former principal and coach at Holmes Junior High, is himself a cancer survivor. During his 55th birthday he was diagnosed with stage three cancer while attending a routine physical. Being referred to the Holden Cancer Treatment Center, he spent 12 weeks at the Hope lodge.

“It was quite a shock given I had no history of cancer in the family.” Welter said. “I entered Hope Lodge with six other cancer patients who had a similar diagnosis, and we were all given a 50/50 chance of survival.  That has a tendency to give you a whole new perspective on life.”

After beating cancer, Welter took it upon himself to help cancer patients suffering like he did. He began writing a short blog detailing his journey as a cancer patient. Slowly, this blog developed into a series of books titled Reflection from the Home Team. His series focuses on dealing with the challenges of cancer while also promoting positive and encouraging thoughts when fighting against the horrible disease.

Photo Sent in By David W

Although beating cancer will take a variety of helping hands, Welter also notes the importance of raising funding for groups like Coaches vs Cancer.

“We are making strides through research to help cancer victims survive this devastating disease. Research takes funding, and that is the purpose of working to help raise those funds through activities such as Coaches vs. Cancer. The cancer journey also drains a family’s resources very quickly, so it is important to help fundraise for places like Hope Lodge who provide a place to stay for cancer patients and their caretakers during treatments,” Welter said.

Despite the fact that the student senate only plans to fundraise for Coaches vs Cancer this month due to the upcoming Coaches vs Cancer event in January, Student Senate Vice President Tomlyanovich is ready to host, finalize and organize these December events.

“It can be a bit overwhelming to plan all these events, but luckily we have a good crew who helps with that.” Tomlyanovich said. “I’ve learned a lot being in the student senate. It taught me a lot about how to campaign for something. I hadn’t really done that before. It’s also kinda cool to reach out to people and see what they want to do.”