Introduction:
Rachel Jensen: I serve as an instructional coach at Johnston High School and have had the privilege of co-sponsoring Student Council for the past eight years. Working with students and helping them develop leadership skills has been incredibly rewarding.
Kari Gray: I teach Spanish at Johnston High School and have been co-advising Student Council alongside Rachel for eight years. Our partnership has allowed us to create meaningful experiences for our students while supporting important causes in our community.
What motivated you to undertake this project or donate?
Rachel: This project holds deep personal meaning for me. In 2017, I lost my mother to breast cancer. Before her passing, she had begun a similar initiative in Kansas City, Missouri, where she worked with preschool classes to create care packages for local cancer treatment centers. When I came to Johnston High School, I felt called to honor her memory by establishing something similar here, giving our students the opportunity to support others facing this challenging journey.
Kari: As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I understand firsthand the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment. This project began as a way to honor a dear friend who lost her battle with breast cancer, and it has grown to include Rachel’s mother’s legacy as well. Having experienced chemotherapy and radiation myself, I know how much a simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day during their treatment. These small gestures can provide hope and encouragement when people need it most.
What would you say to others interested in doing something similar?
Teaching young people, the value of giving back and showing empathy toward others is essential for their development as compassionate citizens. We’ve learned that even the smallest acts of kindness can have profound impacts on people during difficult times. A heartfelt note or thoughtful gesture can lift someone’s spirits and remind them they’re not alone in their struggle. We encourage others to find ways to serve their communities because these experiences are just as meaningful for those who give as for those who receive.
How long have you done this?
We’re now in our tenth year of this project, which has become an annual tradition for our Student Council. Throughout each school year, we collect donations of items and money from our school community. Every spring, our students gather to assemble the care packages at school before we deliver them to local cancer treatment centers. We typically create between 200 and 250 bags each year, and the number continues to grow as more people learn about our efforts.
Why is it important for you to support cancer patients?
This cause is deeply personal to both of us, as cancer has touched our lives in different but significant ways. Supporting cancer patients through this project allows us to give back to our community while teaching our students about the importance of service and compassion. We want our students to understand that they have the power to make a difference in others’ lives, no matter how young they are. This project demonstrates that when we come together as a community, we can provide comfort and hope to those who need it most during their most challenging moments.
