- Papillion La Vista Community Schools
- Homepage
Rumsey Station raises money, support for student with cancer
After repeated battles with a rare form of brain cancer, damage to her memory and the onset of diabetes insipidus, Amberly Koch had a joyful morning at Rumsey Station reuniting with a community of support at the school.
The school recently raised $1,500 toward Amberly’s medical expenses through a staff pumpkin decorating contest and collections at a fifth-grade music program. A check was presented to her family during a visit Friday, Oct. 28.
“It just shows the caring,” said Principal Dan Kauk, who presented the check on behalf of the school. “It is just great to see everybody care together.”
Parents Lori and Shawn Koch said Amberly’s fight with cancer has been going on for more than a year now, with cancer resurfacing after going through two rounds of chemotherapy.
The family has struggled with medical expenses and changes to their home and lives brought on by needing to be with their daughter all the time. They said they appreciated the school stepping up to offer some assistance.
“To have that support – it means a lot,” Lori Koch said.
The 10-year-old has been out of Rumsey Station this year, but she started kindergarten at the building and most of the students know her and her story. She receives visits in the hospital and regularly interacts with the school.
“I felt super happy to see everyone,” Amberly said. “I missed my friends.”
Rumsey Station misses her, too. Teachers organized a contest to have students vote using donations on several pumpkins decorated by the school’s staff.
For the past several days, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, a pink pirate, Star War’s BB-8, an oversized caramel apple and several other pumpkin creations sat on tables outside the office sat.
The winner, though, was a white pumpkin reading with a simple message: “We are thankful for Amberly.”
Fifth-grade teacher Beth Gaule’s class brought in the most for the pumpkin contest, raising $376.01 – including donations from students who saved up allowances and mowed lawns to be able to give more for their classmate.
“When you meet her, she is larger than life,” Gaule said. “Everybody loves her.”
A desk in Gaule’s classroom stands ready for Amberly’s return, and on Friday she was able to play the role of teacher for a few minutes while assisting Gaule with her daily math lessons – including prime numbers and subtraction.
“It reminds me of old fun times I had at school,” Amberly said. “I really miss my friends when I’m at home.”
The outpouring of support for Amberly is nothing new, Gaule said. Going that extra mile is part of the culture of Rumsey Station, and keeping Amberly engaged and connected to the school is important for everyone.
“Rumsey has always been a family no matter what we go through,” Gaule said. “We are just used to pulling together.”