Whitefish student rallies for families impacted by cancer

Whitefish High School senior Maggie Mercer knows firsthand the difference a support system can make for families battling cancer. Now, she’s leading the way to support other local families grappling with the disease.

Mercer was a young child when her mother was diagnosed with cancer. She was lucky enough to have a full-time nanny to care for her and her three siblings while their parents traveled out of the area for treatment. The fortune to have help from a nanny was not lost on her. 

“While my mom was battling, we had a really good support system here and from the community as well,” Mercer said. 

Tragically, the nanny who cared for her died from breast cancer last year. In grappling with her grief, she realized how blessed her family was to have her for support. 

“Not everybody battling any form of cancer has that,” Mercer said. 

Inspired to give back, she recently started a student-led club that helps cancer patients and families, with the goal of providing various forms of encouragement.  

“Some families need funds, while others just need a smile,” Mercer said.  

The effort thus far includes a cash donation to the nonprofit WINGS Regional Cancer Support that assists local families with out-of-pocket expenses related to cancer treatment, such as lodging, travel and meals. WINGS, which is holding its annual radiothon this week, served as an inspiration for Mercer in launching the club. 

Mercer started working last spring with other students, including fellow senior Elijah Adams-Griffin, to put together the group. Over 60 students expressed interest in joining. While Mercer can’t speak for every student, she said the effort “hits close to home” for many of them.  

Mercer said the Cancer Support Services team at Logan Health was helpful in facilitating connections in the community as the club gained momentum. 

In October, the club raised over $800 from bake sales at “pink night” football and volleyball games. During the holiday season, they collected over 50 toys to donate to Logan Health Children’s Hospital. They’ve also written cards and made paper flowers to be delivered directly to patients.  

The club is now working up plans for a raffle later this year with items from local businesses, with the hopes of donating funds directly to families affected by cancer. 

Mercer said Whitefish High School counselor Lyndsay Marshall has assisted the club by communicating with community members. 

Over the last 28 years, WINGS has allocated over $3.7 million in cancer support with 4,196 grants given. In 2024 alone, WINGS distributed $245,133 to a total of 202 grant recipients across Flathead, Lake and Lincoln counties. The ages of recipients in 2024 ranged from 12 to 89.  

The 29th annual WINGS Radiothon airs on Bee Broadcasting stations Thursday and Friday, Jan. 16-17 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Sportsman Ski Haus in Kalispell.  

Bee’s FM stations airing the Radiothon include B-98, The Bear at 106.3, Outlaw Country at 95.0, KJJR at 107.9, Kool 105.1 and KSAM Sports Talk Radio at 102.7. 

To make a donation during the Radiothon, call 406-257-WING (9464).  

Donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 7852, Kalispell, MT 59904 or given on the Venmo app at @WingsRegional-CancerSupport.  

Tickets for the WINGS 2025 Radiothon rifle raffle can be purchased at the Sportsman Ski Haus at both the Whitefish and Kalispell locations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 and the prize is a Savage 110 7mmPRC Rifle with a Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40 scope. The drawing will be on Jan. 17 and people do not need to be present to win.  

To learn more about WINGS, visit wingsnwmontana.org. To learn more about Mercer’s club, email marshalll@whitefishschools.org.