Ribbons for Raven

An act, uncharacteristic, for a Kennett third-grader turned into a key component in her cancer diagnosis.

Parents and teachers alike describe Raven Brown as a quiet, calm child, not at all rambunctious.

Last week when she fell off the couch and let out a scream, her mother immediately knew something was wrong.

Photo by Michelle Rasberry Members of Tammy Neel's third-grade class make a human ribbon for their friend and fellow classmate, Raven Brown.

Brown was rushed to Memphis and is currently undergoing treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

According to South School counselor, Jennifer Nigut and teacher Tammy Neel, the family was initially being housed at the Memphis Grizzlies House.

The facility was named after the city's NBA basketball team, who contributed $5 million towards the construction of the house which provides comfortable, fun, and patient-safe housing for children undergoing treatment for 1 to 7 days.

The Browns will be moving into other facilities specifically set aside to house the patients and their families that will be staying longer time frames for the ongoing treatments.

South School students are learning a hard lesson early in life.

"This community is so great when it comes to doing what needs to be done for people to get the assistance they need," said Nigut.

"We all saw how fabulous the outpouring of love and support was for Cassie Duncan," Neel said.

Tuesday morning all South School students met in front of the sign, many wearing orange (the color of kidney cancer) and pink(the color most associated with cancer in general) to show their support of the friend they worry about and think of daily.

One third-grade student said that even though the school year is almost over "we want Raven to know we are thinking about her and praying for her everyday. We want to make sure she always feels us in her heart!"