A group of women calling themselves Robin’s Army of Hope gathered to raise money for Robin Hope, a Highline School District who was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The group was founded by Maple Valley resident Amanda MacDonald. According to MacDonald the group began on a Facebook page, “Hope for Robin.”
MacDonald wrote in an e-mail, “(The)page was intended to call attention to the plight of my former coach, Robin Hoof.”
Hoof has taught at the Highline School District for 20 years as both a swim coach and French teacher. Hoof was diagnosed with breast cancer in April of 2007. After undergoing treatment she was considered to be in remission. Earlier this year the cancer returned. This time the tumor was in her neck. In August she was admitted to Swedish Hospital and the chemotherapy continued. Due to her compromised immune system doctors ceased all treatments Sept. 18 and 10 days later she was released. She now lives at home under the care of her mother, Judy Hoof, and hospice nurses. She is currently on oxygen and bed ridden, but with each day she makes small improvements.
As word of Hoof’s story spread through the community more and more people contacted MacDonald asking how they could help the Robin’s Army of Hope. The group held their first fundraiser, a car wash, Oct. 10 and 11 at Vision Collision in Burien and raised more than $2,000.
A bank account in Robin Hoof’s name is being set up at US Bank for all proceeds and donations.
MacDonald is leading a fundraising climb of Mount Rainier titled, “The Big One.”
“I’m following in the footsteps of my father,” MacDonald wrote in her e-mail. “Growing up, my father was a DJ (disc jockey). In 1979 he did a charity climb for muscular dystrophy.
MacDonald has already started compiling a list of people who will be on the climb with her.
“My total pledge goal for that climb is $75,000,” MacDonald wrote. “I climb for her. She’s touched so many youths and made such a difference in this community. You just don’t find teachers like her any more.”
MacDonald hopes to inspire others to fight breast cancer.
“One person can make a difference,” MacDonald wrote. “Be part of the army of hope. This is a call to action, setting the example that it only takes a few to influence the many – in this case it only took one, Robin Hoof. A woman who has spent the majority of her life inspiring the kids she taught and coached. Those kids are now focused on coaching her back to health. She’s waging war against a disease. Those touched by her light will not allow her to be lost.
Robin’s Army of Hope would like to thank the following business and people for their help in the fundraising efforts: Kids Korner Kandy, Osteria da Primo, Goodie Goodie Gumdrops, Burien Press, and Eat Local. Local Safeway stores have participated by putting flyers into customer’s bags. Those stores included: downtown Renton, downtown Kent, Kent (132nd), Maple Valley, Burien Plaza, Midway, West Seattle, Admiral Way, Roxbury, Jefferson Square, McMicken Heights and Federal Way (272nd).
It wasn’t just the private sector who are involved. Chief Mike Marrs of Burien/Normandy Park Fire, District 2 showed his support by offering his firefighters. Former Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety Fire Commissioner Jeff Granlund, not only donated to the cause but grabbed a bucket and sponge and worked alongside his Burien counterparts.
