From Monday, Jan. 4 to Friday, Jan. 8, the PTSA group hosted Cookies for Kelsey to financially assist the family of senior Kelsey Baltz as she battles Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Using the funds made from the sales of cookies donated by teachers, staff, parents, relatives and volunteers, the Baltz family can pay for some of Kelsey’s medical expenses.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, also called Hodgkin’s disease, is a cancer that occurs in the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system. The disease makes it nearly impossible to fight infections and, according to the American Cancer Society, more than 8,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease each year. Baltz was diagnosed in October of last year with stage three Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and has been undergoing treatment since then.

“Knowing I have the support of so many makes going through this a lot easier,” Baltz said. “It’s crazy how much support I’ve gotten and I am so thankful for it.”

Cookies for Kelsey was created by Denise Breen, a family friend that has known Baltz since she was in elementary school. Students not only bought cookies at both lunches, but also wore bracelets to raise awareness for Baltz.

Over $1,200 was raised through cookie sales alone and community members can also donate through a GoFundMe account and a Facebook page where Kelsey posts daily updates about her condition.

“I just want to truly express our gratitude and appreciation,” mother Melissa Baltz said. “Words can’t do that like you want them to…but I really do. We all do.”