Cancer-Battling N.J. Cheerleader Gets Pep Rally From Peers

When West Orange High School junior Mackenzie Fitschen was kept off this year’s squad and out of class because of her battle with a rare form of cancer, her teammates and peers knew that they had to do something to show how much they cared.

So what better way to pep up a cheerleader than with a personal pep rally?

On Oct. 9, the entire West Orange High School cheerleading team, football team and marching band paid Fitschen a visit at her home.

That Friday after school, as police closed off the street, four school buses pulled onto Luddington Road.

To Fitschen’s surprise, a host of athletes and musicians came pouring out.

As Fitschen stood on the porch surrounded by family and friends, dozens of cheerleaders and football players gave the teen a rousing cheer and presented her with a Mountaineers teddy bear and flowers.

The emotional greeting was followed by an inspiring round of music from the WOHS marching band.

“We are here for you,” a tearful Kim Topping, WOHS cheerleading coach, told Fitschen. “We love you and we can’t wait to have you back with us next year.”

“It’s so nice to have everyone show up to support me,” said Mackenzie. “It means a lot.”

Mackenzie’s parents, Dawn and Brian Fitschen, and her brother Garrett, an eighth grader at Roosevelt Middle School, were noticeably moved by the outpouring of love and encouragement.

“This is why we love West Orange,” said Dawn Fitschen. “We tell everyone all the time how special it is here. This is the reason why.”

Photos courtesy of Cynthia Cumming