"Sunflowers end up facing the sun, but they go through a lot of dirt to find their way there." - J.R Rim
In the fall of 2020, Alexis Kessler (’22) left East Knox High School (Howard, OH) to pursue an education in the Animal Veterinary Science program at the Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center (ACWHCC). During her two years at ACWHCC, she impacted those who were fortunate to know her. She wore a contagious smile, had a personality larger than she was and her attitude, bright like a sunflower. Her outgoing personality and love of animals undoubtedly led her to follow her passion working as a groomer at Lindsay’s Doggy Day Spa, while also working with humans at Stela’s Ice Cream and Coffee House.
Then this fall, the clouds rolled in on Lexi and her family. As both parents were battling and recovering from their own medical situations, the 19-year-old Lexi received news that she was going to begin a battle of her own after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Synovial Sarcoma, a very rare and aggressive cancer. This invasive mass was located in her lung, and due its size, it would be inoperable and the cancer had also spread to her lymph nodes.
Lexi soon learned the treatment ahead would not be an easy one. When she entered The James Cancer Center at The Ohio State University, the team set her up for intense and continuous chemo treatments for five days, followed by three-weeks off, repeating this for six cycles. The goal is to reduce the size of the mass to eventually be able to do radiation.
As Lexi battles this cancer and the family continues to do everything they can to keep their daughter in this fight, ACWHCC has decided to help the Kessler family with the ongoing medical expenses they are experiencing. With the generosity of staff members, two custom quilts have been made and donated to reflect who Lexi is, ‘You are My Sunshine, Lexi’ (87” x 88”) and ‘Paws for Lexi’ (81”x94”). These quilts are on display at the ACWHCC high school and are $5 for one ticket or $20 for five tickets. Also available for raffle are two baskets, one with custom soaps and another with custom candles. These are available for $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets. All ticket money will go directly to the Kessler family. Drawings will be held on December 20th.
It has been said that “a helping hand can be a ray of sunshine in a cloudy world.” For those wanting to provide a ray of sunshine to Lexi, raffle tickets are available in the high school office. If supporters are unable to come to ACWHCC during school hours, please call 419-289-3313 to purchase tickets by credit card.
Please continue to keep Lexi in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult journey.
#LexiStrong
