Gayle Jewell, a second-grade teacher at Monroe Road Elementary, was diagnosed with breast cancer in August, began chemotherapy and will have surgery (followed by radiation) in December. But she has no intention to stop teaching, reports Bedford Now. " 'I want it to affect my life as little as possible,' she said. 'For my own kids and for my students, I want them to realize that everyone has hard times, but you have to work through it. So, I plan on teaching as long as it is effective.' "

Jewell shared the news of her diagnosis with her students, colleagues and parents of her students, since they would all notice changes in her appearance, such as loss of hair, while she undergoes treatment. She is receiving incredible support from the community" " 'She’s a fighter and we’re very proud of her,' MRE principal Alex Chapman said. 'Gayle is an amazing teacher, mother, colleague and friend. The entire staff here at MRE adores her.' "

Jewell said that teaching the kids has helped her keep a positive outlook, explaining " 'I want them to know that (cancer) doesn’t have to take your life away from you,' she said. 'If I were stuck at home, in a bed, I would be missing out on all the hugs here.' "

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