UNITY STUDENTS REMEMBER FORMER CLASSMATE THROUGH RELAY FOR LIFE

Nicole Lehman is gone but not forgotten in the hearts and minds of her classmates at Unity Lutheran School who recently honored her with a special banner on display at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of South Central Allen County this past weekend.

The project, affectionately known as “Unity Hands of HOPE,” brought students together earlier this month to leave colorful handprints on a sheet embroidered with Nicole’s name, birth date and death date. The banner received prominent placement at the Bishop Luers High School track during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of South Central Allen County before being given to the Lehman family during the closing ceremony.

In January 2006, the teen was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Nicole had been chosen for the role of 2007 Relay For Life Ambassador but passed away in March. The “Unity Hands of HOPE” project was a way for the Relay For Life and Unity Lutheran communities to remember Nicole at this year’s event.

The Lehman family was honored to see the outpouring of support from those touched by Nicole. “She’s just inspired so many people, so many lives we didn’t even know about,” said Pamela Lehman, Nicole’s mother. “Hopefully she’ll touch a few more through this.”

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event enabling local communities to celebrate cancer survivorship, remember loved ones lost and to fight back against a disease that takes so much from so many. For more information on how you can contribute to the Relay For Life of South Central Allen County, please call 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.acsevents.org/relay/in/allensouth.