Positivity powers Patricia "Patty" Moyer

MILAN TWP. — Unless you are an avid runner, participating in a 5K in the middle of November does not sound the most appealing in nature. For the community of Milan, it sounds like a tradition that many partake in to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. People all around the area come to run and show their support. This year, however, some donned a different name than the one the run was originally named after. A part of #teamPatty An Edison alumna and employee of 36 years, Patricia "Patty" Moyer is Milanite born and raised. For her and her husband, Dan, it was not a difficult decision to stay in the area to raise their three children: Mandie, Stephanie and Tom, who also are all Edison graduates. After Moyer was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer on Sept. 15, she found herself with a barrage of support from family and friends as well as the community. During the annual Holly Run — in memory of Milan resident Holly Sneider, who passed away from cancer in 2011 — Moyer's sister-in-law, Tracey Moyer, organized a group of supporters, each donning a pink "#teamPatty" shirt. "I'm kind of a very private off-the-radar, (person). So when that all happened (during the run), I was just overwhelmed," Moyer said. Even being shown a picture of her family and close friends, Moyer lit up — more than she already was — and proceeded to clarify who each person was, a smile continuously spreading over her face. "What do I say? They are my tribe, they are my people," Moyer said. It is her tribe, then, that she derives the inspiration and diligence in achieving her aspirations. "I ran the 5K," Moyer said. "I have certain goals in life. I didn't care if I had to crawl." Dealing with cancer, again Moyer's diligence is even more impactful once people learn that this is her second go-around with a malignant mutation, having been diagnosed with a different type of breast cancer 17 years prior. "The first time, my dad passed away from cancer in September 2004. I remember driving over there and telling my husband that, no matter what, all of my efforts would be put forth for my dad." This time around, Moyer received the phone call while she was still at the school. "I remember going into the lunchroom and just kind of sitting there and thinking, and I remember telling the doctor that, you know what, I've been through it once. This is my second round," Moyer said. "I always used to tell people it was a bump in the road. He said, 'Your bumps may be a little bigger. Your mountains are a lot higher, and the valleys will be a lot lower.' So when I heard that, I'm going to tell you, I decided to make the best of it." Still living life to the fullest A 5K isn't the only thing a diagnosis isn't preventing. Along with going to the gym and actively attending weekly five-hour treatments, a recent birthday celebration found Moyer and her tribe at a Jimmy Buffet concert at Blossom Music Center just 10 days after receiving the diagnosis. "I don't try to let it affect my life, but, more than anything, I have hated missing work," Moyer said. Edison High School students feel the same way, sending their beloved "Mrs. Moyer" pictures of themselves when in the library when she's away for treatments. They just want to check in to make sure everything is alright. "I love the kids here. I love our staff. And you'll probably hear me say this 100 times. I love the kids," Moyer said. "It's like being a mom to all of them." One student, upon learning of the circumstances, was quite adamant about his advice to the lively librarian: "You need to eat." The student even then went on to offer her recipes for recommended protein shakes, demonstrating the commitment of the student body to their beloved mentor. Likewise, the staff has been very generous to the Moyer family and sending well wishes in any way possible. Moyer, knowing exactly why she had decided to stay in Milan, explained confidently: "That's just how it is around here." Speaking up Jennifer Wobser, an English teacher at Edison, elaborated on the atmosphere at Edison, attributing a positive vibe, in part, due to Moyer's outlook on life. "Her endless positivity, patience, compassion, generosity, thoughtfulness and warm sense of humor encourage us all to be better, kinder people and challenge us to live up to our full potential," Wobser said. "When you're in Patty's presence, you know you matter. That's an exceptional gift to give to others." One does not have to look far to see the impact she has had on not only the community but on the lives of each student who walks through the library of Edison High School. Not only is her front desk colored with a multitude of resources, volunteer sign-ups, and outward affirmations, her bright eyes and cheery smile are ready to help every person that crosses her path, not letting anything deter her or her philosophy. "Be kind," Moyer said. "I look at these kids and I think, 'Mine's little. Mine's a little thing that I can deal with.'" Amid her endless support, she does not reflect upon her circumstance bitterly but instead with faith-driven satisfaction. "I have lived an amazing life and touched a lot of lives," Moyer said. "that's what God wants me to do." Count Stephanie (Federer), Moyer's daughter, as one of those people who will always stand in her corner. "My mom is the strongest woman I know. Positive and very optimistic, always," Stephanie said. "She is the first to pitch in and volunteer. She loves her family, friends and students. She has stood by us all in tough times, and her tribe is with her through this."