The Student of the Week title is bestowed upon those in the Buford community who have set themselves apart from the crowd through their character, accomplishments, and spirit. No one could be more deserving of this title than Anna Charles Hollis, the strong and high-spirited six-year-old who exhibited immense strength and positivity in the midst of her battle against leukemia.
Affectionately called AC by her parents Benji and LeeAnna Hollis, and sister Everlee Hollis, she was eagerly looking forward to attending school as a Buford Wolf when she was diagnosed in May of 2018 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
On September 16 of that year, this strong little girl lost her battle with this illness. Her family, friends, and community make it clear, however, that her story is not one of tragedy but rather one of hope.
From her parents, peers, and teachers, Anna Charles is still touching the lives of those who knew her. Her five-month fight against AML was a true example of perseverance and strength, but she was so much more than her battle against cancer.
AC was a spunky, fun-loving daughter and sister. She remains a bright light that empowers others to be strong, stay positive and never give up hope. AC’s impact will live on in the lives of the children, parents, and teachers in the Buford Community. “We actually talk about how we don’t take moments for granted,” said Ms. Tarleton, AC’s kindergarten teacher, “and enjoy every second of life’s journey. AC’s life has been magnified and will continue to make us all better people by having known her.”
Anna Charles’ example continues to inspire action. AC is responsible for rallying her community and country to fight for a common cause through her story and legacy that lives on forever. Rather than allowing her disease to keep her from making an impact, AC allowed it to empower her and became a catalyst, inspiring change around the world to this day. Team AC, a fundraising organization started by the Hollis family, is dedicated to fighting pediatric cancer. In America, cancer is the #1 cause of death in children — the Hollis family is passionate about changing this statistic and giving hope to children who face the same circumstances that AC faced.
Team AC is active around the Buford Community, inviting Wolves of all ages to stand up against AML and rally for AC’s cause. On September 15, Team AC held a bake sale to raise funds, inform members of the community about AC’s story and encourage them to join the fight against pediatric cancer. Selling hats and hosting fun runs is also incorporated into Team AC’s scheduled events. Getting Buford involved and united against pediatric cancer is the main goal for which Team AC strives.
Not only is Team AC active in the community, but the impact of AC’s story is felt across the entire nation. On September 16, the Peach Bowl announced that they will be donating $20 million to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. This donation serves as the backbone of the “Peach Bowl LegACy Fund”. In today’s world, only four new children’s cancer treatments have been developed in the past 30 years. With a goal to change this statistic, the Peach Bowl announced that the donation will go directly toward funding research for new and improved drugs and treatment options for pediatric cancer. Without AC’s incredible story and legacy, millions of children would be lacking new methods to fight cancer. AC is still making the world a better place.
Even though she lived only six short years, AC’s impact will be felt for years to come. Her father, Benji, said, “AC’s legacy can’t be tied to anger or bitterness. Her legacy has to be one of hope, faith, and love.”
The entire Buford Community is encouraged by this legacy to fight for something bigger than themselves. Through Team AC, the Hollis family is continuing the impact that AC’s story has had on her community and country. The Hollis family also emphasizes that AC’s life will have an eternal impact. Thanking God for the time they had with Anna Charles and her continued influence on the lives of others, the Hollis family cites the verse John 11:4: “This sickness will not end in death but is for the Glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
— By Regan Saunders
