KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – McRae Elementary students, parents and faculty came together to raise money for the school’s physical education teacher who’s been battling cancer for more than six years.

Cristin Chason was named teacher of the year in 2018, and she earned that title while working with a rare cancer in her leg that eventually spread to her lungs, lymph nodes, chest and brain. Oral and IV chemo treatments had been quite regular in her life, but eventually the tumors previously kept at bay by the chemo returned.

“My doctors are continuing new trial meds to hopefully shrink and ultimately get rid of the tumors,” Chason said.

Chason has never asked for anything more than positive thoughts and prayers. But friends, some who are also teachers, got together to raise money to help cover the costs of Chason’s pricey medicine.

Those friends – Rachel Brinson, Amanda Wagner and Jessica Thomas – recently held a fundraiser with a 12-team co-ed softball tournament. Brinson, Wagner and Thomas sold chicken dinners and T-shirts, held a silent auction and hosted multiple raffles – all for Chason.

“It was great, “Chason said. “So many people in the community and surrounding areas showed up to support. It was planned perfectly with lots of smiles and laughing, fellowship and good food.”

A one-mile fun run for children took place before the event that started at 8 a.m. The fundraising lasted until 9 p.m. The teams that registered knew there wouldn’t be a trophy or a grand prize to win. They simply wanted to support Chason.

Chason said the amount raised was more than she could ever imagine and for that, said she’s forever grateful. All of the money will help cover some of her medical bills.

The money came at a critical time since she’s currently on leave for her subsequent treatments. Chason has battled cancer for more than six years and plans to defeat it with the help and support of friends and family. When things get rough, she turns to a phrase on the shirts sold in her name at the recent fundraiser: “We don’t know how strong we are until being strong is the only choice we have.”