Jean Hammer is a Project Lead The Way biomedical science teacher at West High, and recently, she was the honoree of the Wildcats Strike Out Cancer softball game vs. Ritenour High School. Hammer, a former volunteer coach at West High, threw out the first pitch and was presented with a check for $1,550 by the team during the pregame ceremony.
Her story is one of great resilience as she was diagnosed with stage 3 aggressive colon cancer. Her oncology team removed the mass, and she then underwent 12 chemotherapy and 25 radiation treatments. Three months later, the cancer had metastasized to her liver, resulting in an additional 12 chemotherapy treatments and another surgery.
However, despite these hurdles, Jean’s most recent three-month scan showed zero signs of colon cancer.
The Hazelwood West softball team partnered with the Hazelwood West student council in hosting the event. They sold “Strike Out Cancer” t-shirts and received direct donations at the game and online, with all proceeds going directly to Mrs. Hammer and her family. The event raised an additional $595, bringing the total to $2,145 as fans filled the stands with a sea of blue t-shirts supporting Jean Hammer.
“West has been the best family that I could have in education,” Hammer said. “What they’ve done for me, it’s overwhelming and something I was not expecting. West is just amazing!”
“The partnership of the softball team and student council for this Strike Out Cancer event demonstrates the importance of rallying behind one of our own,” stated Erica Thompson, West High’s softball coach and physical education teacher. “It exemplifies the power of unity, compassion, and support. We hope this event creates awareness about Mrs. Hammer's battle with cancer and that the funds raised help them navigate through these challenging times.”
Hammer’s message to others fighting cancer is one of encouragement.
“Believe in yourself, listen to your body, and just keep fighting. Cancer doesn’t define you,” Hammer said.
The Hazelwood School District would like to thank the Hazelwood West Student Council and Wildcats softball team for raising their voice for one of HSD’s own and striking out cancer!
