No one fights alone. It’s a nice motto and reminder for anyone who is struggling through this challenge we call life. But at Pleasant Valley, it’s also the text which appears on the side of countless staff members’ caps which are decorated with little teal cancer ribbons on the front.
PVHS guidance administrative assistant, Kay Kaiser, commonly known as “The Boss” in the office, is currently battling through her fifth year of stage four ovarian cancer. Kaiser has worked at the high school for 27 years as the secretary in the guidance office, where she smiles at each person who enters through the doors. Though she does not show any pain, she is battling a monster inside.
According to the American Cancer Society, only 35% of women make it past five years when battling stage four of this aggressive form of cancer. Kaiser reached her five-year mark this September. She has gone through many sessions of radiation and chemotherapy. She even tried an experimental treatment during the 2014-2015 school year in Philadelphia. Linda Noble, guidance counselor and Kaiser’s close friend, fought tears while simply saying, “She is a miracle.”
One may wonder where a person finds the strength to fight so hard. “I wake up everyday and I know I have two choices. I can curl up in a ball and do nothing, or I can get up and find something positive in the day. I just take it one day at a time,” Kaiser courageously stated.
Kaiser has not let this stop her from doing what she loves. She has been working hard throughout her battle at the school and, as Noble said, she “always has a smile on her face.” Tom Neuhaus, guidance counselor, said, “Kay bleeds blue and grey…she really does.” So many have come to know Kaiser as a fighter who will not let anything tear her down. Emily Jepsen, service learning coordinator, is reminded of Kaiser when she listens to “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten because Kaiser is the epitome of a fighter.
Going through chemotherapy and radiation isn’t easy. Kaiser remarked the hardest part of all the treatment is balancing not feeling well with doing the things she loves, like coming to work and being with friends and family. “It is difficult to explain to my grandkids. My granddaughter once asked me if I could grow my hair out so she could braid it,” Kaiser said.
But her family is always encouraging and supportive. Together, the Kaiser family has come up with two important mottos: “Today is a good day” and “What is important right now?” These mantras help Kaiser to stay strong and remind her of where her focus should be directed each day.
Currently, Kaiser is receiving radiation treatments and working on a part-time basis as her body allows. Within weeks, she will resume chemotherapy with an anticipated six rounds. She continues to be the upbeat person everyone who works with her has come to know–and she remains persistent in her fight.
The PV staff agrees with Noble and Neuhaus, so they proudly wear their Kaiser ball caps on certain days to display their support. Kaiser prefers wearing a hat outside of school instead of her uncomfortable wig, but since students can’t wear hats to school, she typically opts for the itchy hairpiece. The ball cap is a way of supporting Kaiser and showing her not only is it okay to wear her hats through the halls of PV, it is encouraged. In addition to the small fundraiser in which staff participated last month, Jepsen says another fundraiser is in the works which will allow students to show their support by participating in scheduled hat days.
No one fights alone. This statement stands true in all cases. No matter the battle, you are never alone in your fight to overcome it. There is always a support system for those who are struggling. When attempting to overcome cancer, depression, or any illness at all, it is important to remember we are never alone.
Everyone has a circle of supporters who will be strong when we are weak. But when the battle is so personal, it’s not easy to be an image of strength for those who need it. Noble tearfully added, “Honestly, I try not to think about it. But when I do, I remind myself of how positive and strong she is. I have to be strong for her… I will be strong for her.” The most anyone can do is to have hope and hold on tight during life’s inevitable bumpy rides. And remember: no one fights alone. YOU do not fight alone.