Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

It was the kind of Back to School visit a teenager never forgets – choir and orchestra, friends and favorite teachers, cheerful posters and gift bags, a special certificate and even a medal for personal bravery and courage. All this for just one student?

Still using a wheelchair, this particular teen deserved all of this and so much more! 

Landrum Middle seventh-grader Carla Rosales left her campus home here after being diagnosed with a rare cancer of the bone, Ewing sarcoma, which affects children and teenagers mostly.

Homebound since last March, Carla reports that she has had numerous procedures, including surgery and chemotherapy. 

There is good news! Doctors have told her the cancer can’t be found now, giving Carla huge hopes that her final return to Landrum comes quickly, with predicted recovery cut in half. She has had teacher home visits during her recent months away from school. 

Help Carla’s family pay for medical needs: https://www.gofundme.com/5ma9i2o

On Oct. 10, during halftime at the Pink Out themed volleyball game between Landrum and Spring Oaks middle schools, Carla made her first return to Landrum since leaving during Spring Break to begin her treatment and recovery. 

 

 

The Pink Out volleyball game was one of several responses across the school district to the increasingly popular focus at this time of year to wear pink clothing or hold talks and presentations about breast cancer and other cancer awareness topics.

Family members joined her in a stirring tribute held on the gym floor. The presentations were led by Priscilla Loera, who taught Carla’s Advanced Movers class, a pre-athletics course offered to sixth-grade students that focuses on elevated skill development. 

Carla was celebrated as a fearless Lady Lion, one who is winning her medical journey, day by single day. A popular student, she has also been a part of the school orchestra and choir, joined the Fellowship of Christian Athletes group, and is active in her church.

 

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Submitted by Melissa Wiland, SBISD Communications, melissa.wiland@springbranchisd.com.

 

 

In the Landrum gym, the school choir sang and orchestra played, special tributes were made to Carla, students waved handmade Get Well posters, and cell phones lit up with special event images.

Two area officials with Turn It Gold, a district-based childhood cancer awareness group, surprised Carla with a special presentation and bravery medal engraved with her name. 

Executive Director Angela Dina and Michelle Payne, marketing director, have appeared at several schools, helping boost awareness about the need for funding and outreach to assist families dealing with survivorship issues, especially.      

Principal Steven Speyrer summed up the special feeling in the gym as a great example of one SBISD core value – Collective Greatness.

“It was touching to see our orchestra, choir and athletes all come together to create a celebratory moment for Carla,” he said. “Two of our health and fitness teachers, Priscilla Loera and Amanda Louis, did an amazing job of coordinating this celebration in honor of Carla’s fearlessness.”

“Carla’s bravery and perseverance are inspirations for everyone who knows her. Carla literally lives our motto of ‘Lions Inspire Others to Never Settle’,” Principal Speyrer also said.

Longtime Landrum teacher Karen Nickel had Carla as a student in her Pre-AP Science class last year. Carla was a “bright spot” there.

“She came to class, smiling, every day. Her warm, friendly, loving personality captured the heart of all her teachers. Even when she knew she was going to go in for testing at Spring Break, she still kept up great spirits and managed to smile through what must have been incredible fear,” Nickel said. 

Although Carla’s initial diagnosis was daunting to many teachers and students, the wish to do something special for her did not go away.

In Nickel’s own home, her middle school daughter donated her hair in honor of Carla. At the gym celebration, Nickel gave Carla a goodie bag that included favorite books, sweet goods, and a plush-style unicorn.

 

 

“We chose this specific animal because it is ‘uncatchable,’ Carla is truly an inspiration – a small young lady with a huge heart and an amazing vitality. She will not let anything catch her and keep her from reaching her dreams,” Nickel said.

Carla left the gym presentation with her family, thankful for all that had happened just a few minutes before and more determined than ever to claim victory over her own tough opponents – cancer, and now her cancer recovery period.

“I think it’s been tough. It’s a lot to handle,” she said before speaking about the Landrum event held just for her. “I thought it was so very nice. I liked it all. I definitely liked seeing so many of my teachers. It was the first time I had seen them since leaving school.”

Get well, Carla! You know that Landrum Middle School is thinking of you every day!