Junior Men's Competitor Helps Kids' Cancer Camp

Junior men's competitor Jordan Moeller remembers the kindness of his freshman Algebra teacher Debbie Swanson when, in January, she put together a benefit with other teachers at Harold L. Richards High School to help Moeller with skating expenses. The 2011 U.S. novice silver medalist and 2010 intermediate champion, from Oak Lawn, Ill. was touched by Swanson's generosity and wanted to give something back.

On April 14, 2012 Moeller presented "One Skate at a Time" at the Southwest Ice Arena in Crestwood, Ill. Skating is a big part of Moeller's life, and a benefit show for an organization near and dear to Swanson's heart was just what Moeller wanted to present. One hundred percent of the money collected from the show went to "One Step at a Time", a camp for children with cancer.

"My freshman Algebra teacher Mrs. Swanson actually got me involved with Children's Oncology Services," Moeller said. "Her niece Julia (Fischer) was diagnosed with cancer at a young age and went to camp "One Step at a Time" where she was able to be with kids who knew exactly what she was going through."

The "One Step at a Time" Camp was founded in 1978 by Edward Baum, a pediatric oncologist at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The camp is staffed by medical personnel and volunteer counselors who are also cancer survivors. It offers swimming, fishing, canoeing and other outdoor activities. Mostly, it provides an opportunity for kids who feel isolated from school activities and peers to find strength and support.

Julia Fischer is now a proud cancer survivor and high school junior, and she and Moeller are also good friends.

"Camp is like a second family," Fischer said. "You don't have to explain to anyone why you're pale, bald or don't feel good."

Due to a rigorous training schedule, Moeller does not have as much time for many teenage activities and hanging out with his friends. Yet, Moeller's mother Martha is not surprised by her son's willingness to give.

"He often thinks of others before himself," Martha said.

Moeller, who trains at the Northbrook Sports Center in Northbrook, Ill. with coach Kori Ade, is proud to say the show went off without a hitch. Jason Brown, the 2012 World junior bronze medalist, Olivia Oltmanns and Josh Santillan, Junior Grand Prix competitors and the Chicago Radiance Synchronized Skating team, all took part in the show along with several other skaters.

"We raised more than $6,600 that evening with more donations coming in," Moeller said. "Special thanks to Josh and Olivia for bringing a check for more than $2,000 they had raised for the event in the Twin Cities Area."

Ade also served as event announcer and the Southwest Ice Arena donated the ice and helped promote the event.

"It was so amazing to see the stands filled almost to capacity," Moeller said. "We had such a great turnout, especially for the first time putting this show together. The crowd was great. Everyone got into the performances and the energy level was through the roof the entire night."

Moeller is proud of his first ice show fundraiser and encourages other skaters to get involved with other causes.

"Go for it," Moeller said. "The most important piece of advice I can give is never give up. It may seem hard a times to get everything in order but stick with it. Contact the organization and let them know what your intentions are. They will be more than happy to give you all the help they can."

What was his favorite part of the event? Seeing the show finally come together, of course.

"It was so amazing to see that many people gathered together to help children with cancer," Moeller said. "It was one of the greatest feelings ever."