<![CDATA[The Echo]]> <![CDATA[The Echo]]> /Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_zm1aymfrq0oc0wqpforpxkmd_4d537bec-4768-4b06-8a87-ad0f5d1e19c6_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:54:10 GMT 15 <![CDATA[EHS Teachers Uses Art for Healing]]> By Aubrey Armitage- staff writer

Aubrey Armitage
Alan Keck assists Dale Anderson during his class on Monday night.

In the Spring of 2006 Alan Keck, an EHS art teacher, received the news no one ever wants to hear. Keck was diagnosed with lung cancer. On his journey to be cured, Keck went through radiation and chemotherapy and beat the 6 to 10 odds of surviving this type of cancer. “My family has been hit really hard with cancer, losing my brother six years ago and cousin just recently, both to cancer.” said Keck. “Out of my family we are the only ones who have had to fight the battle with cancer and I’m the only survivor out of us three.” Keck decided he wanted to do something for those like himself who have fought or are currently fighting cancer. He decided to start a pottery class for cancer victims. Being an art teacher, Keck understands how art can be used as a therapy for those in need of healing, physically and emotionally. He also wanted to commemorate the battle that former EHS teacher Valerie Simmons fought against cancer. Simmons lost her battle with the disease earlier this year. Keck opened the class to cancer survivors or patients every Monday in October from 7-9 p.m. in Keck’s room. He decided the month of October would be appropriate since it is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Kerri Freeman, a participant in the class, fought breast cancer 13 years ago and is fighting the battle once again. After being cancer free for 12 years Freeman was re-diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Although this month is dedicated to breast cancer, the class is offered for every type of cancer survivors and patients of all ages. “I took this class because I had ceramics in high school and it is nice being around people who have been diagnosed with cancer,” said Brandi Emley, cancer survivor and 2004 EHS graduate. “It’s nice being around people who have had to go through the same thing I have. We understand the struggles each of us have gone through or are going through. Not everyone can say they understand and in this class there isn’t one person who doesn’t.” Emley was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease right after her high school graduation, but she didn’t let the cancer stop her. Emley went on to continue her education in business. Emley has been cancer free for four years. This class is a way for Emley and other cancer survivors to deal with the cancer without letting it take over their lives. “I love art,” said Dale Anderson, prostate cancer survivor. “And being blind I can’t do very many types of art. I decided to take this class because wheel throwing is something I can do without having to use my eyes.” The spirit in the class was one of hope. The participants are able to strengthen each other in a way they could not by themselves. Joe Estes was diagnosed with cancer less than a month ago. He was encouraged by his daughter to attend the class. While he has not started treatments yet Estes finds strength and encouragement by surrounding himself with people who understand his situation. No matter what stage of cancer the participants find themselves in, this class offers them the chance to share their stories and experiences. The class is not only one of pottery but of friendship and therapy. “I think after everything we have all been through we can all say after being diagnosed you do not take every day for granted,” said Emley. ]]> Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:27:00 GMT