In June of 2015, our dear friend and colleague, Ray Ossman, was diagnosed with kidney cancer. On January 20, 2016, he will undergo surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and begin his road to recovery.

As a Christian school educator, Ray has poured into the lives of countless students and their families. Whether filming Cougar News episodes, having mock-trials in Law, helping students with college, or weighing "babies" for Life Skills, Ray has given of himself in countless ways to our students and community. He is one of the most generous and life-giving people I know. I still remember when I first came to our school and I was in a meeting where we found out that, unbeknownst to us, we had a student who had been living on his own all year. With tears in his eyes, Ray said, "If I had known, I would have had him in our home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I would have checked-in with him." THIS is the kind of man Ray is; he would do anything for a student or friend in need. 

Unfortunately, Ray will lose pay for the time he is out while simultaneously incurring medical expenses that are unknown at this time. The funds raised will go to offsetting his loss of income, needs that arise, and for current and future medical costs. We do not know how long the road to recovery will be so we want to ensure that the Ossman's needs are met as much as we can.

Ray has been a constant source of encouragement and sacrifices so much for others - now is our opportunity to give to him in his time of need. Will you join me?

Below is a classic episode of Cougar News with Ray in full cop-mode: