Community Unites to Support Beloved Cambridge Teacher in Final Days

A cherished teacher from Cambridge is receiving an outpouring of support from his community as he faces his final weeks. Mark Woodfield, a kindergarten educator at Moffat Creek Public School, has been informed that he has only three to six weeks to live due to neuroendocrine prostate cancer, a diagnosis he received in 2021. The news has prompted his family and local residents to rally around him during this challenging time.

Woodfield is a devoted father to three children: Chloe, 21, Liam, 19, and Mick, 19. In light of their father’s condition, they have temporarily paused their studies at Brock University, Carleton University, and Conestoga College to care for him. The family is deeply moved by the community’s response, which includes a fundraising campaign initiated by Kolby Thomson-Latimer, a parent of one of Woodfield’s students.

The GoFundMe campaign, launched on Wednesday, aims to assist with caregiving costs and future expenses, setting an ambitious goal of $40,000. As of Friday afternoon, over $28,000 had already been raised, showcasing the solidarity and compassion of the local community. Woodfield expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s just very heartwarming to receive the support we’re receiving during this difficult time. I truly appreciate it.”

Woodfield has left a lasting impact on many families in Cambridge, known for his kindness, enthusiasm, and ability to connect with students and parents alike. According to Thomson-Latimer, “One of Mark’s greatest passions has been outdoor learning. He has taken ‘Forest School’ to new heights, leading his students into the forest, rain or shine, to explore, play, discover, and connect with nature.” This dedication to education has made him a memorable figure in the lives of countless children and their families.

Reflecting on his experiences, Woodfield shared, “Certain messages, certain hugs, certain emails — they touch on the value you had in their life. I tried to be a good father and a good teacher.” His commitment to education extended beyond the classroom. He also created opportunities for young athletes with physical and cognitive disabilities through his volunteer work with Challenger Baseball and the Cambridge Ice Hounds. “I truly value my time with Challenger Baseball and Ice Hounds Hockey,” he remarked.

The fundraiser encapsulates the sentiments of many who have been touched by Woodfield’s teaching: “Everyone has that one special teacher they never forget, and for so many families at Moffat Creek Public School, that teacher is Mark Woodfield.”

As the community continues to support Woodfield and his family, his legacy as an inspiring educator and compassionate individual remains firmly established in the hearts of those he has taught and influenced throughout his career.