The cancer journey motivates the Northview student to make a difference

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Claira Warner has an open heart and mind, but is also an open book.

“I had leukemia in eighth grade,” said Warner, a senior at Northvew High School.

Warner’s teachers and classmates were the best therapy.

“There were teachers who personally came to my house or the hospital to teach me,” Werner said. “The entire choir in band from our eighth grade showed up outside my house and they sang me happy birthday and just showed their support for me.”

This support helped heal Warner and prepare her for ministry.

As a senior, she balances a demanding course load while serving as President of the National Honor Society, Editor of the Yearbook, and a member of other organizations.

“The reason I’m in so many of these organizations is because of the love that has been shown to me and I just want to help other people,” Warner said.

For this reason, WOOD TV8 chose her as the student of the week. It’s also a daily reminder she wears around her neck.

The pendant on her necklace symbolizes the Billy Bear Hug Foundation.

“This is a great organization that gives teddy bears to children in the hospital,” Warner said.

Warner received its own through the same organization.

“It was just meaningful work for me,” Warner said.

The full circle moment keeps Warner grounded. It will also hold their head up when life tries to bring them down.