Aurora Elementary Student Diagnosed with Cancer, Students to Show Support on V-Day

"Hats off to Cyndi" will revolve around special education on medical conditions that cause hair loss.

(Aurora, Ind.) - The family of an Aurora Elementary School student battling cancer is extremely grateful for the support they have received. 

First grader Cyndi Strzynski was recently diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, which is a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children. 

Her mother, Kristin, tells Eagle Country 99.3 that the cancer spread to her lungs and she had to have her kidney removed. She is currently receiving chemotherapy and has completed eight radiation treatments at UC Medical Center. 

"She is really tired," said Kristin. "We are here this week and she gets eight hours of treatment." 

On Valentine's Day, Aurora Elementary School will have a theme called "Hats off to Cyndi" where they are going to let the students wear hats that day. The students will receive special education on medical conditions that cause individuals to lose their hair. 

Cyndi's class, taught by Mrs. McBroom, is spearheading the events on Valentine's Day. 

"We thought there is no better way to show kindness than on the sweetest day of the year," said Mrs. McBroom. "Students are going to wear hats that day and each classroom is going to take a picture to send to Cyndi. Students are bringing in donations to help with Cyndi’s Make A Wish Project. Donations can be dropped off at Aurora Elementary School if you would like to donate to her project.

McBroom added that students donated stuffed animals, toys, games, and crafts to give to Cyndi at Christmas time last year. They have also sent her cards to let her know she is missed and that she is being thought of all the time. 

In addition, Aurora Elementary teachers put together meal train, giving food for 17 straight weeks and gift cards to go to local restaurants to help the Strzynski family get through the first couple of months. 

"We are extremely grateful and we honestly couldn't have done it without help," said Kristin. "We couldn't have made it through the first couple months of this. It was all unexpected and they really stepped up to help us. We're really grateful to Leanna Phillippe and the teachers at the school."