Community supports friend battling cancer

MONTICELLO, Ind. (WLFI) - Angie Van Voorst has been battling cancer for the past two years and recently took a turn for the worst.

Angie's sister Tammy Linback says she was taken to White Memorial Hospital Thursday and adds time is precious. Angie worked at North White Junior/Senior High School for 20 years and coached dance for 17 and Tammy says Angie left a mark on everyone she met over the years.

"Angie loved unconditionally. Each and every one of the students that went into her office no matter what kind of life they came from, no matter what struggles they had at home, she was a friend there. She wasn't just an employee at North White, but she was a true friend," Linback said.

Tammy says the community has been showing an incredible amount of support.

"I went to the game Friday night to see my son play and it was just amazing to see everybody in blue, the cheerleaders had signs made, after the game the football players all signed a banner and they all brought it up to her," Linback said.

Tammy says even the visiting team wore blue in support of 'Team Angie' and adds while Angie was a hero to so many students at North White she will always be the biggest hero to those who knew her best.

"She has I think shown so much strength, more than any one of us could have put together right now," Linback said. "She has just fought such a battle. They gave her 12 to 18 months to live in the beginning and she has surpassed that and is still fighting and is showing a lot of strength."

Tasha Linback danced on Angie's dance team for four years and is one of the 20 to 30 people who visit her hospital room regularly. Tasha, wearing a shirt that was part of a fundraiser to help offset Angie's medical costs, says the whole community is hoping the best.

"Keep staying strong, you're definitely the strongest person I know and we're all very proud of you and we love you a whole lot," Tasha Linback said.