Glenkirk art teacher, Courtney Forgét, with some of her students at the PTO event in September.Having no history of colon cancer and being otherwise healthy, this has been a huge shock to her and her loved ones. For over five years, Forgét has worked as a talented and dedicated art teacher at Glenkirk Elementary in Gainesville, Virginia. Her students mean the world to her, and they adore her in return.
Life was otherwise good for Forgét. In October 2014, Courtney married the love of her life, Brendan Varley, a technical trainer. A few months later, they purchased their first home together.
According to Cure.com, a monthly cancer awareness publication " is considered one type of cancer that, in any given year, will affect roughly 137,000 Americans."
Glenkirk student Michael Baxter signs the poster with his thumbprint.However, Courtney is a fighter, and so are her students!
Merideth Weisberg, a parent at Glenkirk, immediately started a GoFundMe page to help Forgét cover her medical expenses.
“Courtney is very dear to our family and the whole Glenkirk community, and starting a fundraiser was the first thing that crossed my mind as cancer can be so costly to battle,” Weisberg said.
The site has raised $2,500 thus far. The goal is to raise $10,000.
Last month, the Glenkirk PTO held a family movie night to raise money to support Forgét’s battle with cancer. Many of her students attended, proudly wearing the dark blue bracelets, which represent the fight against colon cancer. Students were able to leave their thumbprints on a banner for Forgét and to make donations towards her medical fund. They raised $119 in one hour.
“Courtney is so loved at our school and this rubber band fundraiser gave us an outlet to showcase that,” said Glenkirk mother Stacie Campbell.
Photo of Courtney Forget as displayed at the PTO sponsored fundraiser.Glenkirk principal, Lisa Gilkerson, said that “attitude is everything, and Courtney’s attitude is an inspiration to all. She even decorated her infusion bag.”
The support from her school had not wavered. Friday, November 6, Glenkirk Elementary is hosting a spaghetti dinner to raise funds towards her medical expenses as Forgét continues to receive treatment.
Members of the larger community are welcome to attend. It costs $7 at the door, tickets can be preordered at $5 per person via the attached flyer.
Courtney Forget SPAGHETTI DINNER order form
Courtney is keeping her friends and community members updated on her condition and progress on her website. Those interested in pledging their support for Courtney can also visit her GoFundMe page.
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