Walk-a-thon Oct. 9 honors Bruehl

CORNWALL — Cornwall Consolidated School Nurse Martha Bruehl is sporting these days what looks like a stylish crew cut. But the extremely short blond hairdo is the result of a recent round of chemotherapy treatment.

She told assembled students last Friday morning that she is thrilled that the seventh annual CCS Walk-a-thon on Oct. 9 is being held in her honor.

She told them how she was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly six years ago, adding that its not contagious; a hug is OK.

“The youngest students were not even born yet when I was diagnosed,� she said. “Many of you have seen my hairstyle change, from bald to a hat or scarf to growing back in. I get very excited when my hair starts to grow.�

As is the tradition, proceeds from the walk-a-thon are split between a charity and class accounts.

The money in the class accounts helps pay for eighth grade class trips, which was why the event was started.

It quickly developed far-reaching effects, with significant funds going to groups such as Doctors Without Borders and the Cornwall Housing Corporation.

This year, Bruehl was given the opportunity to choose. It was an easy decision: the Jane Lloyd Fund. Bruehl explained how, about four-and-a-half years ago, she joined a group of women in Salisbury who had taken up rowing. The assembled team, eight rowers and a coxswain to mark the pace, were all fighting breast cancer.

“Staying healthy, and getting exercise, is an important part of fighting cancer. We also have  fun and give each other a lot of support.

“One of the women who started the group was Jane Lloyd. She had to stop right after I came on the team because she got very sick.�

Lloyd, who grew up in Salisbury, died not long after. Her family and friends started a fund in her honor. Her brother, Jeff Lloyd, told the students how friends in the community paid his sister’s bills and bought food so she could stay in the comfort of her own home until she died.

He was inspired to start the fund before she died.

“When a parent can’t work anymore because they are sick, it can be very hard to pay the bills,� he told the school’s youngest students. “Any family can ask for help from the fund. We just want to pick up the slack.�

All community members are invited to walk with the students and school staff. It starts at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Cream Hill and Cogswell roads. There are three routes: 1 mile, 2.5 miles and 4 miles. No preregistration is required. (The heavy rain date is Oct. 16.)

And of course, donations are gratefully accepted. An anonymous donor has again offered to match up to $2,000. This year, all of those matching funds will go to the class that raises the most money per student.

Those who don’t know a student to contact may bring donations to the school or mail them to CCS, 5 Cream Hill Road, West Cornwall, CT 06796.