Many of Eaton High School’s students know the familiar face of prior preschool teacher and current kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Richter.  In late August, 2021, Richter was diagnosed with Stage 2, HER2 positive breast cancer.  Throughout Richter’s journey, the community has supported her and her entire family.  

According to the Mayo Clinic, HER2 positive breast cancer is cancer that tests positive for the protein known as human epidermal growth factor receptor two.  This protein promotes the growth of cancer cells in the body.  

Richter’s treatment has involved chemotherapy once a week for 12 weeks and targeted therapy every three weeks.  Her treatments are planned to last a year.  Richter said, “I am participating in a clinical trial where I receive one chemotherapy drug instead of two. Due to only receiving one, the side effects are less.”

Throughout Richter’s journey, the Eaton community has been there to support her.  The Eaton Volleyball team hosted their Kills for Cures game on October 19.  Mrs. Richter’s son, Ben Richter (22) said, “It was overwhelming – all the support we got from everyone at the game.  I know my mom was overwhelmed.  It was nice to see everyone with their shirts on and just all the support we got from the whole community.”  Fans were able to give a flat donation or pay per kill made by the Lady Reds.  By the end of the night, 48 kills were made and around $6,000 was raised to benefit the Richter family. 

Junior volleyball player, Ainslie Ross (23) said, “It was a really good thing for the community to come together and help someone in our community.  It is really important to see the direct effects of it supporting someone in our community.”

The community support spanned farther than the Kills for Cure volleyball game.  Many people reached out to Richter through texts, cards, prayers, and even meals.  Monarch Printing made volleyball shirts for the Kills for Cures game with “Richter Strong” written on the back.  The shirt sales brought in about $2,000 of donations for the Richter family. 

“I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful the support from the community has been. From the moment word got out about my diagnosis, the support started pouring in. Kills of a Cure night was something you can’t even put into words. Seeing everyone in their “Richter Strong” shirts was so emotional. To know you have so many people behind you, praying for you, gives you the strength you need to keep fighting.”

For those going through a similar situation, Richter’s advice is, “Unfortunately, life throws us curve balls. This definitely wasn’t something we were expecting, especially during Ben’s senior year. We have learned to take things one day at a time, and to find blessings in each day. It’s so important to stay positive so cancer knows it’s not going to win!”