RIDGEFIELD, Wash. (KOIN) — A Ridgefield High School sophomore is a stand-out at school, despite hardships at home.
“I have straight A’s right now and I’m in a few advanced classes and I plan on going into college next year as a junior in Running Start program,” says Lexie Rutherford.
She maintains her grades, plus runs cross country and plays in the band, despite a difficult time at home. 4 years ago, her mom, Robin, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The expensive medical bills led to the Rutherfords losing their home.
“It was a lot of weight on my shoulders, trying to help her around the house, taking on more responsibilities,” Lexie says.
Her mother is very proud.
“She does about 3-and-a-half, 4 hours of homework every day. Keeps her grades up even with all the activities she does,” says Robin.
Now, Lexie has been chosen as one of 30 kids in the country to attend an elite and intense summer program called Seascape in Massachusetts. Her goal is to become a marine veterinarian.
“Oil spills, lots of trash gets dumped in the ocean and it’s like, no second thought about it.”
The issue is the expense. The program costs $4,800, and that doesn’t include airfare. The family’s neighbor, Tracy Titus, immediately set up a GoFundMe page.
“When this opportunity came up for Lexie, I was like, this is amazing and she can’t miss it,” Tracy tells KOIN 6 News.
Some of the money has been raised but they have a long way to go, and hope the community will help with the rest. There is already a fundraiser set for May 17 at the Sportsmans Steakhouse and Saloon in Ridgefield.
“It happened all so fast, but I’m really glad I had the support of my family through it and will all the other problems we’ve been fighting through, we can make it, I know we can,” says Lexie.
The 2-week Seascape camp starts June 28 and Lexie needs the money before then. The family would even accept airline miles.
Filed under: Clark County, Human Interest
