PHS plans care packages, fundraisers

When Pleasant Home freshman Kennedy Cleghorn was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last month, the get-well-soon wishes and offers of assistance came pouring in.

Now, those at PHS are not only stepping up their show of support for Cleghorn, they’re taking it one step further by compiling care packages for others undergoing chemotherapy.

PHS teacher Nikki Guilford said students felt compelled to take up the cause.

“Kennedy is one of us,” Guilford said. “And the faculty and students wanted to do what they could to make this difficult journey for the Cleghorn family a little bit easier.”

Currently, students are observing “teal Tuesdays,” the color designated for those supporting ovarian cancer awareness. On Oct. 4, the PHS stadium will be outfitted in teal and yellow in support of ovarian and childhood cancer awareness – and that includes everything and everyone from football players to cupcakes at the concession stand.

Since Cleghorn’s diagnosis, students have worked on chemo care packages for others receiving treatment at area centers.

Senior and cheerleading captain Mallory Smithart said students and staff rose to the challenge of donating items, and she hopes that the public soon follows suit.

“These boxes are filled with candy, food, Germ X, notepads, games – things to occupy their time when they’re receiving treatment,” she said. “There’s even hats and fuzzy socks to keep them cozy in those cold doctor’s offices.”

To date, scores of boxes have been filled, but Smithart and others hope to add to that number.

“So far, all the items we have were donated by people at PHS,” she said. “We got the idea of what to include from Kennedy. Those are things that she said she liked to have when she gets treatment.

“If we could get donations, that means we could do even more packages for more people,” she said.

The packages are only one activity under way to benefit the Cleghorn family. School staff are selling T-shirts and organizing an October 5K race, and community members, through Maurices of Enterprise and Andalusia, have organized a womanless fashion show. That show will be held on Oct. 19 at the Andalusia City Hall auditorium.

Those wishing to donate items for the chemo care packages are asked to contact PHS at 222-1315.