By: Andres Jimenez and Abbie Hannawalt
We all go through challenges in our lives, hard times and obstacles that seem impossible to pass. Recently, one of the literary arts teachers at Fossil Ridge High School, Mrs. Cindy Vanderheiden, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Since then, she has taken leave from school and unfortunately, given up her spot as lead director for the musical at FRHS in the spring.
The tumor has been diagnosed as a malignant brain tumor. Mrs. Vanderheiden is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment to try to reduce the size of the tumor. Even with the tumor affecting her life, she is staying strong and positive. “I don’t want to get in that place where you’re worried about something all the time,” Vanderheiden said. “I want to get to the other side of it.” Staying positive is the absolute best thing that she and her family can be doing at the time.
Recently, her husband, Dennis Vanderheiden, entered an Ironman contest. To gain admittance, he and their daughter made a video and brought light to Vanderheiden and her current situation. He won the contest and obtained the opportunity to compete in the Ironman competition at Lake Tahoe, Calif. This competition consists of swimming, running, and biking for an extreme distance. She could not be more proud of him.
“The best thing about it is the support. All my friends are there for me, and by friends I mean everyone. I have received lots of emails and letters. It is the best,” Vanderheiden said. The best ways to support the Vanderheiden family include sending letters and emails and going to visit her when it is appropriate.
She also has a website where you can keep up with what is going on in her life on a day-to-day basis. Her husband writes a quick blog to let you know what she is has been up to and how she has been doing. Go to Photo Credit: Dennis VanderheidenC Caring Bridge, make an account, and search “Cindy Vanderheiden.” Select “request a password” to get an email with the password to log in.
Please continue to offer your support and love as the Vanderheiden family goes through this difficult time.
