When longtime Liberty Assistant Principal William Cecchini transferred to Freedom High School last fall, he kept hearing about the Freedom family.
And he admits he thought it was a bit geeky.
But then his 44-year-old wife Robyn Cecchini died of breast cancer in March, leaving Cecchini with two teenage daughters to raise.
His coworkers and students sprang into action, launching the "Freedom to Fly" butterfly fundraiser to raise money for the Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem. The fundraiser culminated today with the release of thousands of butterflies on the practice football field.
Cecchini told his colleagues and students that he can now wear his "Freedom family" shirt proudly.
"I realize how much of a family they are," he said after the release. "It's amazing. The school has honored my wife from Day One."
Students and staff began selling butterfly cards for $5 on April 29. After selling more than 1,300 cards within a few days, they expanded their sales efforts into the community, said Joe Stellato, a teacher and coach who helped organize the event.
Each butterfly represents a loved one touched by cancer -- someone Freedom wanted to honor, he said.
"We talk about the Freedom family here a lot and this kind of stuff gives you goosebumps," Stellato said.
One class learned this afternoon they were going to Dorney Park after raising $3,500. Stellato did not know how much was raised in total because sales are ongoing.
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'Freedom family' rallies around assistant principal by honoring late wife