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Schools

To Ann, With Love in Woodbury

With grace, love and song, East Ridge High School students pay it forward to their critically ill friend at a Valentine's night benefit concert.

More than 500 friends came out to show their love and support for critically ill classmate Ann Haering at a benefit concert held at 's Loft Stage on Monday.

Back in 2006, Haering was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After friends and classmates learned of her cancer's return this past December, they wanted to reach out and do something to give back. 

Mary Durose, a friend of Haering, met her while on the Link Crew at ERHS. 

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“She is the sweetest person I have ever met,” said Durose. “When she had her relapse, I started following her Caringbridge site, keeping up with the day to day of her cancer.”

Durose said they had planned to spend New Year's Eve together. Haering couldn't make it.

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“At that point, I knew I had to do something for Ann,” said Durose. “I started talking with some talented kids here at school trying to come up with an idea or way to give back to Ann, and the Ann Haering Benefit Concert was born."

Schools, churches, towns, and yes, even the Green Bay Packers (Haering is a huge Packers fan), continue to send thoughts and prayers to Haering and her family.  

Her friends agreed that they have received and learned more from Haering about life than they could ever possibly give back to her. 

“Ann has been so selfless through her battle with cancer and has taught us all, that what we’re doing here tonight, is what life is really all about," friend and ERHS student Nikki Soler said.

Samantha Lisowski met Haering when she was in 10th grade at East Ridge. 

“Ann took great pride in sharing her story and that immediately captivated me,” said Lisowski. “Ann never lets her diagnosis bring her down.”

“It has never been a negative battle for her, it was always a going forward with complete grace, strength and tenacity,” she added.

That tenacity shined through in some of Haering’s darkest moments. 

“I remember when I was visiting with Ann at the hospital, the nurses came in to change out all the medicines in her tubing," Lisowski said. “What you have to realize is there are many different cords and stuff surrounding Ann, but she just rolled over and said to the nurses, ‘Have fun with that.' Ann is just amazing, as sick as she was at that moment, her humor, sass and tenacity prevailed through it all.”

Lisowski said her friend taught her how to value the small things in life and recalls Haering strenght whenever she's feeling down.

“In my heart, Ann has won this battle in so many ways, and I wish her unconditional peace and happiness," Lisowski said. “Her eternal beauty and presence will continue to be felt at this school forever."

Last year’s prom date and best friend Dalton Hauer sees that beauty in Haering’s actions. 

“Ann has taught me to never give up on anything and that it’s just as easy to beat the odds," he said. "Ann never knows what day is going to be her last and I can assure you, I don’t take things for granted anymore either. I need to thank Ann for teaching me life lessons that will stay with me forever, and to tell her that we’re all here for her and stay strong.”  

Sam Greeley has known Haering since second grade. 

“Watching Ann having to go through this has been heartbreaking, but she has been such an incredible inspiration to those around her," Greeley said. “Over the past four years, she never stopped fighting. Her inspiration has changed me for the better and she’s touched more lives in this community than she’ll ever know.”

Perhaps the lyrics in Mary Durose’s song she wrote and sang for her friend on Monday night says it best:

Ann’s Song-By Mary Durose

You didn't choose this

Never wanted to fight

But you pick up your armor

And take off in the night

You always smile

And you still shine so bright

But I wish I could take this

And make it alright

 

So you keep your head held high

As you pick up the pieces, scattered around

Freely and swiftly

Just like the wind

You'll run and dance again

 

You never complained

Always sat with that beautiful grin on your face

And I always wondered

How someone could have so much beauty and grace

You still picked up your sword

And fought til the end of this war

You never gave up and you never gave in

As the battle occured once more

 

And you keep your head held high

As you pick up the pieces, scattered around

Freely and swiftly

Just like the wind

You'll run and dance again

 

It's not fair, it's not right

For little girls to be fighting this fight

Oh it's so unfair

Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on

It's not fair, it's not right

Shouldn't have to fight this fight

 

You didn't choose this

Never wanted to fight

But you pick up your armor

And dance in the night

 

Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on

 

If you were unable to attend the fundraising benefit or would like to donate to the Ann Haering fund, visit www.annhaering.org.

For a photo gallery of Monday's event, click here.

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