Not only can fans see both the Pella High girls and boys track and field squads during their final home meet of the season Monday night, but they can also join in the fight against cancer in honor of Carol Schulte and Athletic Director Bill Van Horn.
Van Horn was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in January and has undergone extensive treatments since at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, while Schulte, wife of Pella High assistant track coach Matt Schulte, underwent effective treatments for Leukemia two years ago, only to be re diagnosed this past summer, 20 weeks into her pregnancy.
During treatments, Van Horn and Schulte both were provided a home away from home at Hope Lodge in Iowa City, a product of the American Cancer Society, which provides free lodging and emotional support to cancer patients allowing them to live in a home like setting rather than a hospital room and also provides convenient access to the treatment center. Pella boys track coach Brent Van Hauen says the purpose of Monday’s fundraiser is to raise awareness and money to support Hope Lodge and says he hopes alot of people will come to the meet and join in the cause. He says they’ll have a silent auction and have gathered numerous items of interest and all money raised will be donated to Hope Lodge.
After undergoing major surgery in early February, Van Horn recently completed six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He is currently recovering at his home in Pella and re gaining strength after losing nearly 40 pounds. He plans to start a second aggressive round of treatment in mid May which will consist of two different types of chemo done once a week on rotating weeks for a period of six months.
Schulte underwent a bone marrow transplant at University Hospitals and Clinics in November, a couple weeks after giving birth and is doing well, and healthy baby Faith turned six months old yesterday.
Van Horn and Schulte are expected to attend Monday’s fundraiser which will take place during the Pella Co-ed track and field meet. All money raised will be donated to Hope Lodge in the names of Van Horn and Schulte. For more information contact Pella track coach Brent Van Hauen.