The Cancer Fight

This past Thursday was quite a humbling day. I was invited to the Greendale High School Theatre Department picnic. It was really nice to see a lot of my theatre friends there – many of whom I had not seen since I began the treatment process. At this event, many traditions are celebrated. Senior roles such as The Notebook – a book of traditions, duties, and guides to making the Greendale Theatre as special as it is – are passed on to the next generation of senior leadership. I also had the opportunity to see who won such awards as “Crew Member of the Year”, “Best Dancer”, “Best Singer”, and “Thespian of the Year”.

Perhaps the most amazing part was near the end of the event. Notebook-Holders Sara Weiss and Carly Gaeth spoke to the group. They talked about how the theatre family is a very close group that is always there to support each other. They mentioned that if someone were to need assistance for some kind of tragic circumstance, the theatre is there to lend their support; be it through compassion, a very large “Get Well” card, hugs, and in this case, financial aid. Over the course of this show season, the cast and crew had donated a little extra money out-of-pocket to raise funds in support of my situation. It was an enormously kind gesture for them to do so. Never in my wildest imagination did I expect the amount they had put forth. The Greendale Theatre family raised $700 towards the support of my charity, The Cancer Fight Organization, and in honor of other local and national cancer funds! I was blown away! The generosity of this act was simply astounding.

When I was in high school, theatre was a place that I knew I could let go of my fears, be comfortable around people, and learn life lessons that – and believe me when I say this – are useful for the rest of your life. I always remembered how the GHS Theatre shaped me, gave me the strength and will-power, and taught me how to be a good human being. I met friends that I couldn’t imagine life without. To know that they have done something like this for me only empowers these opinions. I will not forget this gesture, and I can only hope that one day, I can repay the GHS Theatre for their kindness and their unending support. THANK YOU GREENDALE THEATRE!

Mark L