The MICDS Cheerleaders are sharing their skills—and spreading the love! The week of October 9, the team held a cheer and dance clinic for Lower School students, which culminated in a performance during the last Rams home Football game of the regular season. Proceeds from the clinic went to help fund medical treatment for Lauren Oxenhandler ’05, an alumna and former MICDS cheerleader who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
“The MICDS varsity cheerleaders have been working with our youngest members of our community this week. These young ladies have learned a dance, stunts and a cheer that they would like to perform for you, and in honor of Lauren,” said Ally Bergman, Head Coach of Varsity Cheerleading, on October 14 during halftime of the Football game.
After graduation in 2005, Lauren studied sociology at DePaul University and received her master’s degree in public administration at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Upon returning to the U.S., Lauren worked for many years in higher education human resources and is passionate about empowering young candidates in their job search. With these skills, she recently started her own business, Lauren Elise LLC, as a Career Coach. Since being diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in July, Lauren has undergone rounds of chemotherapy with plans to finish the full course of 16 rounds in December, with possible surgery and radiation to follow.
Proceeds from the cheer and dance clinic were donated to the website youcaring.com and placed in Lauren’s name so she can access the funds. Funds that are not needed for direct support of Lauren’s care will be donated to the Young Survival Coalition.