Mrs. McElwain reflects on medical incident

photo courtesy of Janice McElwain Mrs. Janice McElwain enjoys scenery with her husband at Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin, Scotland. Since her diagnosis, the pair have experienced a great sense of peace, which they believe comes from God.

Feb. 11 students noticed a disturbance in the routine walk to class during fifth period. After experiencing fatigue and pain, long-time math teacher and faculty member of the King’s Academy, Mrs. Janice McElwain suffered a medical incident and was being transported to the hospital. Mrs. McElwain sent out an email four weeks later sharing details of what happened.

“As some of you may know, I’ve been diagnosed with cancer, and I began treatment last week. This diagnosis came as a complete shock to me and my family, but it was not a surprise to our loving Father,” Mrs. McElwain said.

Mrs. McElwain addressed the situation in the email and thanked her colleagues for stepping up in the chaos of the moment. 

“On that Wednesday, I became dizzy and nauseous. I went to the teachers’ workroom to regroup. Soon after, I passed out from abdominal pain,” Mrs. McElwain said. “Thankfully Mrs. Singer and others were there and immediately began monitoring me and called 911. After several tests at the hospital, I was diagnosed with cancer.” 

Upper School Principal Dr. Lynn Sanders announced in an email that Mrs. McElwain would be focusing on her recovery following the diagnosis. 

“I have received an update from Mrs. McElwain,” Dr. Sanders said. “She misses her students, colleagues and teaching, but unfortunately, to focus on her recovery, she will need to permanently step away from her classes. She is disappointed, but she appreciates that you are in great hands, which makes this hard decision a little easier.”

Though Mrs. McElwain has decided to step down, Dr. Sanders announced that to help ease the transition, faculty members were rising to the challenge in taking up Mrs. McElwain’s responsibilities. This includes filling in for Monday/Wednesday session Geometry, Algebra 2 and math labs.

“Mrs. Laura Jones will step into Mrs. McElwain's Algebra 2 classes immediately. Many of you may not know Mrs. Jones, but she taught high school Math for us last semester on the TF session and has over 10 years experience teaching Algebra 2,” Dr. Sanders said. “While this is not an ideal situation at all, we are grateful we will be able to continue on the Algebra 2 schedule of lessons and assignments without missing a beat. Math Department Head, Mrs. Melissa Duplechien and Mrs. Jones are working together and Mrs. McElwain has stored lesson plans for her classes, the transition should be seamless.”

Though surprised by this sudden illness, Mrs. McElwain encouraged her students in her message, focusing on God’s sovereignty and her hopes for her students. 

“I pray for all of you often. I pray that you have a wonderful school year and grow in your skills and love of math. Most of all, I pray that you grow in your love and trust in our Savior. My deepest hope through all of this is that the Lord would be glorified,” Mrs. McElwain said. “Even in difficult circumstances, we can trust that He is good, that He is in control and that He is working in ways we may not always see or understand.”

Beyond her faith in the Lord, Mrs. McElwain recounted how God’s sovereignty ultimately was the right path despite her diagnosis.

“God ordained that I would be at school when everything happened. I am thankful I was surrounded by friends that refused to listen to me when I was saying I was fine,” Mrs. McElwain said. “I am also thankful for the abdominal pain. I know that pain was from God. If I had not had that pain, the doctors would not have done a CT scan and who knows how much longer it would have been before the cancer was discovered.”

Though navigating through a difficult trial, Mrs. McElwain has remained positive and hopeful, choosing to focus on God’s provisions and the blessings he has granted her. 

“Please continue to work hard, encourage one another and remember that God cares for each one of you,” Mrs. McElwain said. “You all have been such a blessing to me, and I thank the Lord for the time I have had with you.”

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