“I think it takes a remarkable heart to see all the potential in some of our most exceptional learners and she finds a way to reach all of them,” Maize Elementary Counselor Andrea Neitfeld is describing Maize Elementary Teacher Amber May. “Inspirational because she is faithfully fighting her second round of cancer and she still wants to be here day in, and day out. She’s just so inspiring and strong, because there is no quit in her.”
Maize Elementary Instructional Supports teacher Amber May is described as patient, strong, and inspirational by co-workers, students, and parents. Along with these words she is popularly described as faithful. In December of 2021 May was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. As a result of this, May spent her time out of the classroom and in the hospital for treatment. After radiation and surgery May had fought the tough battle of breast cancer and was on medication to prevent recurrence. Despite the efforts, this year May’s cancer returned and metastasized to her brain into three different tumors.
“I had surgery on the fifth of August and then I was kind of having some problems with the other two spots, so we went back to the hospital and decided to push everything up,” May said. “I did four rounds of CyberKnife radiation which is using a robot to precisely deliver radiation treatment, and I am also taking a chemo pill right now so we’re just kind of waiting to see what has happened with the two spots, and hopefully nothing is regrowing on the other spot.”
Despite her struggle with cancer May does not let this affect her everyday life. May uses her faith to persevere through her struggles so she can be there for her students. May explains that her relationship with God has been her motivation to get through this fight and be there for her students and family.
“I think your relationship with God and all those other relationships with people that you know, you work with, or our friends and family are truly important and showing others that you value them and their relationship.” May said.
May’s faithful impact goes beyond inspiring her students but also her co-workers. Maize Elementary has rallied behind her through this difficult time to hold fundraisers and have started a morning prayer every Friday with staff before school. Maize Elementary Counselor Andrea Neitfeld talks about how May’s faithful attitude through this hardship has inspired her to grow in her faith.
“I don’t even know if I can sum up the impact she’s had on me.” Neitfeld said. Personally, Amber showed up in a storm of my life. Even when her storm was happening, she switched lanes to decide to encourage me instead of keeping the focus on herself, and my faith has grown because of the way she showed up for me, and our friendship is just such an incredible gift.”
May’s faithful light shines through her everyday in Maize Elementary as she continues to put her students and co-workers first through her hardship. Maize Elementary parent Brandy Muncy explains she’s grateful to have an inspiring role model like May not only for her child but also for her.
“Mrs. May is an amazing educator for students, but not even students, I would say as a parent, she shows like even though you’re struggling, just keep pushing on,” Maize Elementary Parent Brandy Muncy said. “You would have no idea everything that she’s going through in her life, seeing her in the hallway or talking to her students, he’s always smiling and happy to be wherever she is.”
Everyone can learn so much from May’s inspiring story of using her faith to lead her through her hardships so she can be the best educator, co-worker, and human she can be.
“It’s important to understand that she would say, even though her struggle may look totally different, that the best thing you can possibly do in a challenging time is to lean into a place of faith to allow that to be what leads you through, and you can see that strength radiate through her, and I think she would say let your struggles inspire others by the way you lead your grace filled journey.” Neitfeld said.
