KINDNESS IS EVERYWHERE: STUDENTS HELP SICK MAN AND HIS FAMILY

Bob Antill thought he was supporting his sons, Matt, 18, and Cody, 16, when he attended a school picnic at Central High School Wednesday morning.

But halfway through the event he learned it was actually another effort by staff and students to help support his family.

"The support everyone has given us has just been amazing," said Antill, who was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis in March 1997. He said it has been six months since the family received the first donation, "and the help just keeps coming."

This is not the first benefit for the Antill family. Various student organizations have held carwashes, hat sales, picnics and other fund raisers to help the family make ends meet while they battle the disease.

"I think it's so cool the way our whole school is pulling together," said Michelle Bryant, 15.

Amos Pridemore, 16, agreed. "It's really nice the way we're helping each other," he said. "I think we should do more things like this."

Antill has not been able to work longer than a couple of hours a day because of pain associated with chronic pancreatitis, a disease that causes an inflammation of the pancreas and damages other organs. His gall bladder and spleen will be removed in June, and he is expected to make a full recovery.

In the meantime, his wife, Julie, a fifth-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, has had to carry the financial burden of the household using only her paycheck. But periodic support given by Central students and members of First Presbyterian Church of Cape Girardeau, which the Antills attend, have made that load much lighter for her to bear.

"Every once in a while they'll bring us a check that has come from donations, and it's just like a paycheck," said Bob Antill. "You can't imagine what a help it's been for my family."

Debbie Ebaugh, a Central High teacher, said students and church members have raised about $5,000 since the first carwash was held last winter. People don't realize that students will often give if they're asked, and in this instance they've often given much more than is requested, she said.

"The really cool part about it is you ask, and they give you more than you ask for," she said. "You'd be surprised how many kids will give us 5 or 6 dollars for a $1 hat. Every kid from every class and from every socio-economic background is right in there. It's great for school spirit."

Antill said the support also has been great for his family's spirits. The financial support has taken the stress off the family and allowed them to continue doing their normal activities while they cope with the disease, he said.

"I've never seen anything like this," Antill said at the picnic. "Everyone I've talked with -- they're just like angels."