A school bus driver who is known for her colorful hair and positive demeanor says she’s floored by the continual support from her coworkers and the community.
Tiffany Herren was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer May 31. The cancer, despite appearing to be a common form, wasn’t fueled by hormones and required 16 rounds of chemotherapy, an unusual amount for a stage two cancer. Herren underwent a double mastectomy Tuesday and awaits a final pathology report to determine what the next course of action will be.
Through it all, Herren continues to remain upbeat, leading one of her friends to call her “the most resilient woman” she knows. She cares for her two children, a 13-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, though misses being able to drive a school bus and working.
“I’m a doer and a goer ... I try to get up and do things that aren’t harmful to me or other people,” Herren said.
Herren’s coworkers describe her as a positive and uplifting person. Rachel Todd, the safety coordinator and assistant supervisor for the district’s transportation department, said Herren spent her own money on positive re-enforcement aids on her bus.
Her hair, sometimes dyed flamboyant colors, was something students and other employees noticed about her.
“She is a mermaid on land,” Todd said.
The transportation department hosted a raffle in October which resulted in nearly $1,300 raised to help Herren. Internally, a challenge was issued to raise more than $1,000 from the raffle. Surpassing that goal resulted in employees shaving their heads or dying their hair pink in celebration.
The transportation department also donated concession stand proceeds from sales made during Green River High School swim meets and arranged for a Pizza Hut benefit night where a percentage of pizza sold would be donated.
Other businesses have donated to the cause since the start of the school year.
Beyond that, employees have found other ways to support their coworker.
“We’re all family, we‘re pretty close,” Bridget Burreston, a district bus driver who delivers meals to Herren, said. “We’re all here for her support.”
Herren said she’s been astounded with the kind of support she’s received from both her coworkers and the community.
“I can’t express how thrown back I am ... I didn’t expect it to continue and grow as it has,” Herren said.
Herren also said her supervisors at the transportation department, Oscar Barton and Todd, have been extremely supportive of her and her desire to get back to work in whatever capacity she can once medically cleared.
“The way they’ve been, they’re the best bosses ever,” she said.
A spaghetti dinner for Herren is planned for Nov. 18. The dinner is scheduled to take place from 5-9 p.m., at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Green River. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
A blanket is being raffled off as well, with tickets costing $1 each or six for $5. The raffle takes place during the benefit dinner and tickets are available at the school district bus barn on Monroe Avenue. Dinner tickets can also be ordered by calling 872-5590.
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