A simple act of kindness is making a big impact at Clark Elementary. As part of a heartwarming community service project, the Clark Elementary Student Council has partnered with Rexanna’s Foundation’s Rally Writers initiative to support Matthew, a courageous young cancer patient undergoing treatment at MD Anderson.
Clark Elementary Student Council students ask Matthew questions about his cancer journey. Photo by Yulia Trujillo-Rodriguez.
Led by President Ezra Salazar, Vice President Koby Davis, Secretary Zoey Zurovec, and Class Representatives Meghan McCleery, Carter Garcia, Michael Ocampo, Leah Taylor, Jaycee Jenkins, and Natalie McWhorter, the Student Council took on the project with heartfelt purpose. Guided by School Counselor Elisabeth Lewis, the students created hand-decorated, motivational cards filled with words of hope and encouragement.
“This all started when Mrs. Lewis told us about Matthew,” said Ezra. “We felt bad for him and wanted to help. We thought writing cards with motivational messages would make him feel better.”
The cards, colorful, personal, and filled with heartfelt encouragement, stood out to Matthew, who keeps them in a special shoebox alongside other cherished notes he has received. “I love receiving cards,” he shared. “The Clark ones are so decorated, and I love reading them. They’re very inspiring.”
Matthew’s journey has been long and challenging. Diagnosed with cancer in September 2024 after years of unexplained pain and treatments, he endured multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and an emotional rollercoaster. “Chemo was the hardest journey of my life. It felt like forever. But these cards helped. They were encouraging. It made me feel like people got to know me through the process.”
The project was initiated by Principal Kem Scheidt, who has a personal connection to the cause after her own battle with colon cancer. “We wanted our Student Council’s service project to be meaningful,” said Principal Scheidt. “Rexanna’s Foundation offered the perfect opportunity. It connects students with real people and real stories. It’s not just about service, it’s about empathy.”
Dr. Lisa Spain, founder of Rexanna’s Foundation, emphasized the long-lasting impact of projects like Rally Writers, which began in 2007 after the loss of her best friend to lung cancer. “It’s not just about raising money,” said Dr. Spain. “It’s about raising spirits. Cancer is a long journey, and support shouldn't stop after the initial diagnosis. These cards show patients that they are not alone.”
For Clark students, the lessons go far beyond writing. “It felt nice to make the cards,” said Ezra. “We were thinking about how Matthew would feel. I’ve learned that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.”
Over 120 writers nationwide are paired with patients through the Rally Writers program to send weekly encouragement. Like so many others, Matthew's story reminds us all of the power of human connection and the simple act of showing you care.