February has been filled with puppy love at several Buncombe County Schools campuses, thanks to the Way to Battle Foundation.
The Ohio-based organization worked with the Buncombe County Schools Foundation to return to Western North Carolina and deliver Battle Pups for students at more BCS schools. The stuffed animals each come with a story that explains they are “armed with strength” and that they can help their humans make it through tough times so that “no one battles alone.”
This marks the third time since Hurricane Helene that Way to Battle brought Battle Pups to Buncombe County. Last week, they shared furry friends with students at Weaverville Primary, North Windy Ridge Intermediate, and Barnardsville, Black Mountain, Oakley, and Weaverville elementary schools.
“Everyone, kids included, is battling something in life,” shared Amy Jamerson, 6th grade counselor at North Windy Ridge. “This is a nice reminder and a comfort to our kids that they also have someone rooting for them.”
Kristin and Chris Martin founded Way to Battle following the cancer diagnosis of their young son. Their child is now cancer-free, and Battle Pups remain a mission to help others overcome life’s challenges.
“This is such a beautiful thing,” said Bill Honey, North Windy Ridge Assistant Principal. “It’s incredibly heartwarming that this family’s frightening experience has led to comfort for countless other families.”
