Community rallies behind Lorelai Clubb

It's encouraging to see a community rally around a cause or individual facing challenges. We see it time and again in Southeast Missouri. But each example, always unique, is inspiring.

The latest comes from a 12-year old girl who is receiving treatment for acute myelid leukemia.

As students started school this week, Lorelai Clubb, a seventh-grader, was not with her classmates. But the sweet-smiling girl -- a Taylor Swift fan who adopted the song "Shake It Off" as her theme -- did feel the encouragement many extended by wearing green shirts (her favorite color) and posting pictures on social media.

In Cape Girardeau, Barbara Kohlfeld, principal at Blanchard Elementary, advocated that faculty and students consider wearing a green shirt on Tuesday for Lorelai. It was a sea of green, according to the report.

But the green shirts weren't just worn at the schools. Parents of those students and friends of the family in workplaces all wore green. Social media was buzzing with green-clad selfies expressing love and support for their friend.

When you're facing cancer, retaining a positive outlook is important. By a show of green, Cape showed its love and support in a major way on Tuesday.

The encouragement, of course, isn't just for Lorelai. It is also for her caretakers, the family members who spend days and weeks in the hospital to be with their girl. They appreciate the kind gestures, and are lifted by the prayers and show of support.

"The friendships and the community have been so helpful, I don't know where we'd be (without them)," said J.P. Clubb, Lorelai's father.

Good job, Southeast Missouri. We join the many others in praying for Lorelai's full recovery. Hang in there, Lorelai.