Oxford schools have a place in the heart for one of their own

Students and staff members in the Oxford Area School District have always been quick to help people in need, often at a moment’s notice. Whether raising funds to assist victims of natural disasters in the United States and abroad, or sponsoring events to collect clothing, households items, and dollars for struggling families in Oxford and the Philadelphia area, every district school is committed to doing as much as possible to make even a small difference in the lives of others.

Sometimes, a school’s fundraising project is inspired by a valued and loved member of the Oxford Area School District family.

Cara Titter is the daughter of Mandy Titter, music teacher at Hopewell Elementary School, and husband Josh.

Cara is a one-year old who suffers from Restrictive Cardiomyopathy, a life threatening disease that prevents the muscles in Cara’s heart from fully relaxing, which prohibits the needed intake of blood to distribute correctly throughout her body. In the past few months, Cara has had two heart transplants, with her most recent surgery in early February.

Upon learning about Cara, the students at Oxford Area High School decided to raise money that might help their former music teacher and her family as they continue to care for Cara. Called “Hearts for Cara,” the project was sponsored by Student Council, with every school club and athletic team participating in fundraising during the week of February 6. Additionally, the girls' basketball team collected donations at two home games. 

Students and faculty members were asked to donate at least one dollar during lunches, with each donor then writing his or her name on a paper heart. Each heart was then placed on a wall in the school cafeteria. By the end of the week, $510 was raised and donated in Cara’s honor to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), a national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-needy patients.

Members of the Oxford community who would like to make a donation to COTA on behalf of the Titters are asked to visit http://cota.donorpages.com/PatientOnlineDonation/COTAforCaralynnT