Breast cancer is a life-changing event; one you cannot anticipate or plan for and one in which you have no choice. The journey is a true roller coaster and this is just the beginning for Kindergarten teacher, Amanda Wilkerson. This is Wilkerson’s third year teaching in the Lower School at MCA. Amanda and her husband Clayton have three children attending MCA: Griffin in first grade, and twins Emma and Levi in third grade. In late February, she was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. Wilkerson has a challenging battle ahead of her consisting of chemotherapy, surgery and possibly radiation. She will undergo six months of chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy. Following the surgery, she will be faced with another six months of chemotherapy plus possibly radiation, depending on test results. On March 9, she underwent her first chemotherapy session.

Wilkerson’s students and fellow teachers have expressed the many reasons why they love her. Kindergartener Scarlett McWilliams says that her favorite thing about Mrs. Wilkerson is that, “she loves colors.” Kindergartener Christopher Moore added that she is such a great teacher because “she helps us to learn and get smart.” Both students shared, “We really miss her and we want her to come back.” Friend and MCA music teacher, Allison Finke, describes Wilkerson as more of a sister than a co-worker, “She is a wonderful mother and an extremely gifted teacher (and artist). She is compassionate, patient and I’m so lucky to have her as one of my best friends.” Wilkerson has all the attributes of a fighter and more, Finke adds, “She loves her family, friends and students fiercely and despite her calm demeanor, she won’t hesitate to advocate for them. I know she will fight cancer with the same tenacity she has displayed in fighting for others.” In less than three years of teaching at MCA, Wilkerson has become a role model to those around her and is a woman that students can look up to for grace and courage.

Although she has the support of so many friends and family, she also needs help from her MCA family. Mrs. Finke has taken several steps to raise awareness for Wilkerson by organizing “Amanda’s Army”. There is a GoFundMe page set up to assist with deductibles and out-of-pocket medical expenses, as well as a SignUp Genius to help with meals. Finke also designed CustomInk t-shirts to support Wilkerson along her journey. All proceeds from t-shirt sales will go directly to the Wilkerson family. If you would like to follow along with Wilkerson in her fight to beat cancer, you can request to join “Amanda’s Army” on Facebook. The links listed below will direct you to all the ways you can get involved.

In the coming months, please include Amanda in your prayers and thoughts as this is a struggle for her and her family. She is a strong, fierce woman who is loved and cared for by so many. With the love and encouragement from her students and fellow teachers, she plans to continue to work throughout her treatment. By the power of God and the support of others, we are hopeful that she will be cancer-free soon. We know that God is watching over her and her family during this time and we look forward to watching her get well, one step at a time. Wilkerson is comforted by her favorite Bible verse: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still” Exodus 14:14.

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/2be55ecd

SignUp Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054dadad29a02-meals

“Amanda’s Army” Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2904863839751233