CHESAPEAKE -- Sometimes, tears at a pep rally are a good thing.
Students at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake are teaching everyone a lesson in strength, courage, love and support. These have been tough times at the school because lymphoma has touched many people there.
The principal's husband died from it; a teacher's 10-year-old daughter survived it; now, a classmate's father is battling it.
That's a lot for young students to absorb.
"Yes it is," said Meredith Hanlet, who is a member of the Student Council Association. "It's tough to think how you can get through this, but to do this for them, it means a lot."
The SCA decided to put on a walk-a-thon to raise money for research for a cure. "Laps for Lymphoma" will take place Saturday, March 13, at 5pm at the school's football field. Students will walk 4 miles, which equals one foot for each person lost to lymphoma in 2008: 20,510 people.
The idea comforts members of the Grassfield community who have been personally touched by lymphoma.
"It's just a great high school everyone rallies around each other," Miller said.
His father is undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with lymphoma a month and a half ago.
"They are an amazing group of young people and I am very touched by their support," said principal Carolyn Bernard.
"Laps for Lymphoma" is a labor of love.
"People need to back up their friends and family who are suffering from it and really make a difference," said Taylor McBride, a student at the Grassfield, "and I think support is the most important part."
