Mica Peak High Staff Form Cancer Support Group

Five staff members at the Spokane Valley high school are navigating breast cancer diagnoses together.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Cancer

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Five staff members at Mica Peak High School in Spokane Valley are navigating simultaneous breast cancer diagnoses while maintaining a collective support network. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Five staff members at Mica Peak High School in Spokane Valley have formed a support group to navigate their individual breast cancer diagnoses. The group provides both emotional and practical assistance as they manage their symptoms and treatments.

Why it matters

The support network allows the colleagues to share experiences related to their medical journeys. This collective approach helps the individuals cope with the physical and emotional challenges of their diagnoses while maintaining their roles at the school.

Five staff members at Mica Peak High School have received breast cancer diagnoses. The group is currently monitoring their shared symptoms while one member, Jan Jorg, remains in recovery.

The players

Geri Bacheller

Geri Bacheller serves as the head secretary at Mica Peak High School.

Mary Ann Ehrgott

Mary Ann Ehrgott works as an occupational therapist at the school.

Lynne Wilberding

Lynne Wilberding works as a teacher of math, art, and ELA.

Jan Jorg

Jan Jorg works as a paraeducator at the school and is currently in recovery.

Mica Peak High School

Mica Peak High School is a secondary educational institution located in Spokane Valley, Washington.

The details

The staff members, who include Geri Bacheller, Mary Ann Ehrgott, Lynne Wilberding, and Jan Jorg, wear custom shirts to represent their solidarity. They maintain constant communication regarding their treatment and recovery processes.

Timeline

  1. Geri Bacheller received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2026.

The Big Picture

This group aligns with the precedents set by peer-support networks in workplace wellness programs. These initiatives facilitate collective resilience among staff navigating shared health challenges.

The support group highlights the importance of peer networks for individuals managing cancer treatment. Patients in the community can use similar strategies to coordinate emotional and practical support during their recovery journeys.

The takeaway

Building strong peer connections can significantly help individuals cope with the emotional weight of a diagnosis. Seeking or creating a dedicated support group allows for better management of symptoms and daily treatment needs.

Further reading

Learn more about local health initiatives at the Cancer section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by KXLY kxly.com.