Keith Wightman Students Throw Celebration For Teacher With Breast Cancer During Terry Fox Walk

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This year’s Terry Fox walk for Keith Wightman Public School brought special meaning to these kindergarten through grade six students.

Photo courtesy of Keith Wightman Public School.

Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Lytle was diagnosed with breast cancer last school year and got to see her students at the walk on Thursday for the first time since her diagnosis.

The school has done a number of activities to raise awareness in Lytle’s honour including designing Terry-inspired running shoes and wearing pink.

The beloved teacher was greeted with high-fives and written notes from students upon her arrival.

“We teach because we love kids, and being away from them has been hard,” said Lytle. “I’m super excited to see what’s going on, and to be here (at the school) again.”

Lytle, who lives in Hastings with her husband, finished out the school year this past June, knowing the diagnosis was coming.

She is a month into her treatment and will be in chemotherapy for the next four months. She says she will likely not return this school year.

“I think in terms of the kids and the school community, it makes it real a little bit for them. We’re a K (kindergarten) to (grade) six school, and a lot of what teachers talk about they don’t fully grasp,” she said. “It’s important for people to share their stories, there’s so much mystery and fear that comes from the cancer diagnosis. When people are open about it, it’s easier and it makes it a little less intimidating for everyone.”

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