BMS to host fundraiser for local cancer patient

By Brighton McConnell

In the wake of eighth grader Ashley Shaw’s cancer diagnosis, Brevard Middle School will be having a fundraiser called Shots for Shaw, to help benefit and support the Shaw family. The main event will be a basketball game between the BMS basketball teams and the staff of the school. Many faculty members will be participating in the game, including principal Kerry Putnam and vice principal Scott Strickler.

April Nelson, who is an eighth grade Language Arts teacher at BMS, is the main organizer of Shots for Shaw. Nelson, after having the idea suggested from a friend of Shaw’s. She then proposed the idea of the benefit to the staff of the school, and had it approved. “Although I am orchestrating the event, I am receiving a lot of help from the staff at BMS.  We are all contributing to make sure the event is a success,” she said. Nelson also plans to play in the basketball game.

Shaw, who attends Brevard Middle, was diagnosed with a form of rare bone cancer in January of this year. She must go through go through treatment for at least the rest of the school year. Though the illness she is facing is serious, Nelson says that Shaw has remained very positive. “Ashley is one of the kindest people I know,” she commented. “She always has a smile on her face.” Shaw is known for enjoying spending time with her friends, and sings in the chorus at BMS.

Besides the staff and student game, other events will also take place during Shots for Shaw. There will be a raffle for themed baskets throughout the fundraiser, put together from items  that have been donated by students, parents, and community members. The various themes of the baskets range from sports to pets to shopping. The BMS band and chorus will also be putting on a performance during halftime.

Shots for Shaw will be held on March 1, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Brevard Middle School gym. Tickets cost $2 for students, and $4 for adults, and people planning to attend are asked to wear purple and gold in honor of Shaw. Nelson asks people interested in helping out even more to donate items to the baskets or concessions, and hopes that “everyone in the community to come out and show their support for Ashley and her family.”

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