by Elizabeth Reed, assistant editor

No Shave November was a while ago, but it was a time to get creative with beards for a good cause–a way to support art teacher and coach Bob Leland in his fight against cancer. Leaving during the fall, Leland didn’t return until spring semester. After going through three surgeries, one being sixteen hours, Leland is back.

“So far I’m free and clear,” Leland said. “I’m starting to get my strength back but I’m still coming back from the shock of surgery.”

Not only did the surgeries take a toll physically, but the cost was taxing itself.

“You wouldn’t believe the cost just for transportation, parking, meals, overnight and just driving down [to Houston],” Leland said.

However, the school, staff and student body contributed to help, and Leland said he couldn’t be more thankful.

“Teachers are usually on the giving hand,” Leland said, “so I find myself in new territory when people do things for me and I didn’t do anything but get sick.”

The school’s involvement in No Shave November also resonated with his daughter, sophomore Jenna Leland.

“It meant a lot that the school cared so much about my dad,” Jenna Leland said. “And I know it meant a lot to him.”

Leland was awed by the sturdy support of the staff. Not only was No Shave November (put together by tech teacher Bart Taylor) in Leland’s honor but principal Gwen Elder put together a faculty jeans day, too.

“Our staff was unbelievable–No Shave November was just one example,” Leland said. “They always had positive comments in the hallway, always checking up on me, [sending] cards and the caring comments.”

Along with the support, Leland loved the idea behind No Shave November.

“I think the staff had fun with it. Everybody had fun with it,” Leland said.

Through the whole process of fighting cancer, Leland felt that his faith contributed to his health.

“I just want to say prayers are answered,” Leland said. “I give the credit to God, and it’s amazing that we caught [the cancer] early.”

Even after thanking the faculty and staff, Leland said he still feels like a “thank you” doesn’t suffice for the support he was given.

“How do you thank somebody–you can’t really,” Leland said. “It was challenging for me to accept it. I’m learning that I can’t do everything, can’t fight by myself.”