GALION, Ohio — Melanie Wheeler’s recent diagnosis with a rare form of cancer sent a ripple through Galion’s school district. On Thursday, the school district reported collecting over $7,500 to be donated to the shell-shocked family.
“Wow,” said her speechless father, Tom Wheeler. “I don’t even know what to say. Wow. That’s absolutely amazing, unbelievable.”
Three Galion schools participated in a fundraiser for the family since Oct. 26.
Galion Primary School held a “One Million Pennies for Mel” fundraiser and collected $4,016. According to the district’s press release, Tasco Thompson and Sons contributed a 20-year collection of pennies.
“I am so proud of our students, families and the entire Galion community. Our Million Pennies for Mel fundraiser was a massive success,” said Primary School Principal Cindy Voss in a press release.
Galion Intermediate School had students donate what they could while wearing t-shirts that represented Melanie’s favorite colors. The building raised $577.
The middle school held their first Stall Day coin drive on Oct. 30. Students were encouraged to give their change to teachers before fourth period started, stalling the start of class. The school raised $2,900.
Superintendent James Grubbs is impressed with students within the district.
“Our students and staff have shown the true heart of this community and what it means to be a Tiger. I’m extremely proud of each and every one of them, and I want the Wheeler family to know that they have the support of the entire Galion City School District,” said Grubbs in a press release Thursday.
Melanie Wheeler was diagnosed in October with stage one intradural extramedullary filum terminale myxopapillary ependymoma, a rare chronic cancer.
The sixth-grader underwent surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus to remove the tumor found in her spine.
According to Tom Wheeler, Melanie is back in school for four hours per day.
“She’s just doing her main classes, no secondary classes. The schools have been great, they’re helping her out so much,” he said.
He said his daughter’s main goal is to continue dancing someday. Another goal she has, he said, is to join the school’s Mojo volleyball team.
“She loves dance, it’s her passion. And volleyball is her favorite sport,” said Wheeler. He said Melanie is staying strong through the diagnosis. “Better than her mom and dad. She’s taking it in stride. It’s just another thing she’s going to beat,” he said.
The Wheeler family has an appointment with oncologists at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus on Dec. 18. Until then, treatment options remain unknown. He said they could end up receiving treatment in St. Louis, Huston or Boston.
“We’re biding as much time as we possibly can (before treatment) because her brain is still developing. But we’ll know more on December 18,” said Tom Wheeler.
Melanie has a GoFundMe page, which currently touts $3,510 in donations. According to Tom Wheeler, family friend Angie Heckert is managing an account for the family.
To stay up to date with Melanie’s progress, visit the #Mel Strong Facebook page.
