Bellbrook teacher battling cancer get surprise birthday parade amid coronavirus pandemic

BELLBROOK — A long-time Bellbrook 4th grade teacher battling ovarian cancer was surprised by fellow teachers as they drove by her home in a show of support on her birthday.

“It’s been a wonderful way to spend the day even though we’re all six feet apart," said Bell Creek Intermediate Principal Jill Adams. “I think its finally time for us to celebrate and recognize her.”

Sheryl Ellinger has taught for 38 years in Bellbrook and was diagnosed with the cancer in the last few weeks, just before Gov. Mike DeWine ordered the mandatory shut down of Ohio’s schools. She won’t be able to return to the school building before her retirement at the end of the school year.

“She’s had a positive attitude this entire time," Sheryl Ellinger’s daughter Beth Ann Ellinger told News Center 7. “Leaving school was a really hard thing for her.”

Ellinger didn’t have the chance to get a proper send off from her students and colleagues prior to the coronavirus pandemic shutting down schools.

The parade passed by Ellinger’s home in Centerville Wednesday morning, with numerous vehicles covered in birthday messages.

The cars honked and teachers inside yelled ‘we love you’ and ‘happy birthday’ as they passed. Ellinger was able to come outside to wave and blow kisses to her supporters as tears fell from her face.

Beth Ann Ellinger said her mother just had her second round of chemotherapy and saw positive results with her numbers dropping.

“She’s had a positive attitude this entire time," Beth Ann Ellinger said.

The longtime teacher has been surrounded by support in recent weeks and her daughter said she believes this is God’s plan for her.

“She has really seen it as an opportunity to show God’s love," said Beth Ann Ellinger. “The love that people are showing her is amazing.”

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