Carmel Middle School students rally around classmate with cancer

Carmel Middle School students came out to show support Tuesday for a classmate battling cancer.

13-year-old Kiara Hinze was undergoing radiation treatment for a brain tumor, and when her treatment was over, a librarian came up with an idea to give her a warm welcome back.

When she returned to school, her classmates came out to rally around her. The school’s faculty ordered t-shirts for themselves and a local company provided t-shirts for the entire 8th grade for free.

Kiara’s mom, Brenda, said she was surprised and overwhelmed by the show of support, but was happy about it. Brenda told KION her daughter’s a fighter and never once complained, even though she’s fatigued. Her mom said she even refuses to go home early because she loves school so much.

Brenda said they are grateful for the school community coming together.