Cheryl Ellstrom

Cheryl Ellstrom has been a friend and colleague of ours for over 20 years as a biology teacher at Mankato West High School. She was diagnosed with kidney cancer in April 2019 and had her kidney removed at that time. She returned to teaching in the fall of 2019. Despite a few setbacks, she has continued to teach and stay active in the Mankato Teachers' Association as well as many district and building committees. Cheryl always puts her students before herself while fighting this disease. Cheryl did well for a couple of years, but had to start additional treatment in April of 2021. In April of 2024 she had to start radiation. In Cheryl´s words, "Clearly April is not my month!" We started this fundraiser to help Cheryl with ongoing expenses like gas, food and lodging that are associated with her ongoing treatments. She has been an amazing example of grace and courage throughout her diagnosis. It is time for us to support her in this journey.