BRADENTON, Fla. — Students at Electa Lee Middle School in Bradenton are rallying behind a teacher who is facing her second round with breast cancer.
Stefania Daly has been teaching art for 22 years. Twenty years ago is when she overcame breast cancer the first time.
MANATEE NEWS | The latest headlines from Manatee County
When students at Electa Lee Middle School heard she was fighting breast cancer for a second time, they wanted to do something to show her how much they love her.
"We all care about her and we know that what she’s going through is hard," said Sydney Christophel, a student.
So the students made posters, signed banners and the entire school gathered to surprise Mrs. Daly with an assembly before she goes in for a lateral double mastectomy on Thursday.
"It means so much," said Daly. "I have not been sleeping the last few nights, it's been very hard for me and I’m scared. I’m scared to death."
Students and staff say Mrs. Daly has spent her entire career making them feel special, loved and encouraged.
Now, they wanted to return the favor.
"If we can help in any way we can show her that we do love her and we want her to get better," said Christophel.
