Community rallied together for student with cancer
WINDBER - A community in Somerset County rallied together to help a Windber student in her fight against cancer.
This year, the school district didn't just have a prom for its students but also for adults.
Organizers said Windber is a small town with a big heart and they just wanted to do something special for Krista Walker.
Krista is a junior at Windber Area High School who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
"It's probably one of the hardest things for a parent to hear but you look at her, you see how strong she is," said Krista's mother, Kim Walker.
In November, Krista's life changed forever at 17 years old, she was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma.
"The doctor told me my life would never be the same and he was right because everything just changed, I have a completely different outlook on things," Krista said.
Krista's mother said she's an inspiration, a fighter and a daughter she's proud to call her own.
"She will go to the hospital one day and get up the next day and go back to school. She never missed a beat with anything," Kim said.
After months of hospital visits, Krista heard great news at her last chemo treatment that she's cancer-free.
"I'm just so proud of her. I'm just proud to call her my daughter and she's one of the strongest people you'll meet," Kim said
Saturday evening, the Windber community paid it forward by holding an adult prom at the Ambassadors Ballroom.
Decorating the room with lavender for Hodgkin's lymphoma, organizers said more than 300 people danced the night away for a great cause.
The event is sponsored by "For The Fallen Run," a Windber based non-profit organization.
Almost 70 baskets were raffled off, prom pictures were taken and all proceeds go to Krista.
Krista said she is in remission and will be getting monthly checkups.
Event organizers said they have already raised $14,000 for Krista and her family.
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