For Ignite Community Schools, the Together in Teal Walk was more than a Saturday morning gathering or a show of support for ovarian cancer awareness. It was a powerful demonstration of what it means to be “One Ignite. One Family. One Band. One Sound.”
Quaundra Taylor’s Story: An Ovarian Cancer Survivor
Everyone who is a part of Ignite Community Schools is considered family. Ignite’s Mrs. Quaundra “QT” Taylor, Executive Assistant to Superintendent Dr. Kendahl Herron, is an ovarian and uterine cancer survivor, and her story is part of what motivated Ignite to get involved in the Together in Teal Walk.
Her cancer journey began unexpectedly on January 27, 2025.
“I remember feeling a sharp pain shoot up my left side, and then, for about 5 to 10 seconds, I lost my vision,” she recalled. After visiting the emergency room and later following up with her doctor, Taylor received news that changed her life: she had ovarian and uterine cancer.
“Nothing could have prepared me for the phone call when my doctor told me I had ovarian and uterine cancer,” she said. “At that moment, I felt like my soul had been crushed.”
The diagnosis brought surgeries, physical pain, and an emotional journey that continues today. Among the most difficult realities has been coming to terms with losing the ability to carry a child—something Taylor had deeply hoped to experience with her husband.
“That’s something people don’t always see when they hear the word survivor,” she said. “They see that you made it through, but they don’t always see the pieces of yourself you’re still learning to live without.”
However, Taylor continues to move forward, drawing strength from her husband, family, friends, and her faith.
“My husband was my strength, my protection, and my peace,” she said. “My faith was my mental strength even though I was angry! I also have the best friends in the world who never let me stay down.”
For Taylor, survivorship is not simply a medical statement. It is a daily choice to recognize the beauty and delicacy of life.
“I’m honestly still taking it day by day,” she said. “But I can say it’s a struggle of willpower and being grateful that you got another chance at life.”
More Than Just A Walk: Showing up for the Ignite Community
Taylor’s story became a rallying point for Ignite leaders from across Texas. On Saturday, September 26, they came together to participate in the Together in Teal Walk hosted by the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) in Dallas, Texas.
Leaders traveled from Beaumont, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, turning the event into a statewide expression of support not only for Taylor, but for survivors, families, and everyone affected by cancer.
“We were inspired to participate in the Together in Teal Walk to show our love, support, and solidarity for one of our own Ignite team members, Quaundra Taylor,” Ron Shepard, Ignite Community Director of Operations, said. “Her strength and resilience inspired us to come together not only to celebrate her journey, but also to stand with every individual and family who has been impacted by ovarian cancer and other forms of cancer.”
The group’s presence reflected the culture Ignite seeks to build across its schools and communities. This culture is one where people are encouraged to care for one another, especially during life’s most difficult moments.
Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Kendahl Herron, Ignite continues to emphasize social-emotional support, compassion, and community.
“Seeing our leaders stand united for our team members, families, and communities was a powerful reminder of what it means to be One Ignite, One Family,” Shepard shared.
For Taylor, seeing her colleagues there meant the world.
“My heart and soul were filled with so much joy and gratitude,” she said.
Building a Community
The event also created opportunities for Ignite leaders to connect with community organizations and discover resources that could benefit students, families, and staff.
Participants were able to interact with organizations and vendors that provide resources such as mental health support, health screenings, and other community services. Ignite leaders also connected with the NOCC to capture memories together and strengthen relationships throughout the day.
Representing Ignite in the community became about more than wearing the school’s colors or carrying a banner.
“It felt inspiring and empowering to represent Ignite Community Schools for a cause bigger than ourselves,” Shepard said. “When we show up in the community, we are not only representing our schools. We are building partnerships that can positively impact the families and student-scholars we serve.”
Participants walked in different groups and paces and along the way, conversations ranged from family and leadership to academics, work and the future of the Ignite Brand.
The most powerful conversations came from hearing the stories of ovarian cancer survivors and witnessing their resilience. The event raised more than $120,000, adding another aspect to a day already filled with purpose.
For Taylor, however, the most important part was simply being surrounded by people who showed up.
“Just showing up makes a difference,” she said.
Teal Carries a Story
Looking back at a photo from the Together in Teal Walk, Taylor hopes people see more than a group of people wearing teal.
“I hope people look at this picture and understand that behind every person wearing teal, there is a story, a reason, or someone they’re walking for,” she said.
For her, teal represents the journey she has been on, the battles she has faced, the people who stood beside her, and the life she continues to embrace.
“Most importantly, I want people to feel hope,” Taylor said. “I’ve learned that you can go through one of the hardest chapters of your life and still have so much life left to live, love to give, and purpose to fulfill.”
“Teal isn’t just a color to me. It’s a part of my story.”
That story has also changed the way Taylor views family, friendship, and community. One of the moments that stays with her most occurred during her second of three surgeries, when she required a blood transfusion.
“It shows life is precious and worth living every day in the best way possible,” she said.
Her experience has also reinforced the importance of advocating for oneself and asking questions.
“You don’t have to take the doctor’s first decision on your life choices,” Taylor said.
Ignite’s Seven Sparks in Action
The Together in Teal Walk also reflected several of Ignite’s Seven Sparks: Developing Leaders, Illustrating Determination, Fostering a Love of Learning, and Embracing Courage.
The event demonstrated that leadership extends beyond the classroom and workplace. It can mean standing beside someone during a difficult season, listening to survivor stories, learning about cancer awareness and community resources, and using one’s presence to encourage others.
“We witnessed determination and courage through the powerful stories of survivors and families who continue to fight,” Shepard said. “We also learned beyond the classroom by gaining greater awareness of ovarian cancer, early detection, prevention, and community resources.”
Most importantly, the experience reinforced a central lesson about leadership: showing up for others matters. Through efforts like the Together in Teal Walk, cancer awareness becomes more than a single event or observance on the calendar.
It becomes part of a larger commitment to education, advocacy, compassion, and community.
One Band. One Sound.
When asked what “One Ignite. One Family. One Band. One Sound.” means in moments like the Together in Teal Walk, Shepard’s perspective is simple: family in action.
“We each bring different talents, strengths, experiences, and areas of expertise, but when we come together, we become something much greater than any one individual,” Shepard said.
For Taylor, that family was visible in every step.
Her journey has tested her physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It has brought unexpected grief, tested relationships, and forced her to confront realities she never imagined. However, it has also revealed strength, deepened gratitude and reminded her that she is surrounded by people willing to stand beside her.
Her message to the Ignite community reaches far beyond cancer awareness.
“Don’t let what you’re going through stop you from getting to where you’re supposed to be,” Taylor said. “Life is going to throw some things at you, and everything isn’t always going to go as planned.”
She acknowledged that there will be difficult days. There will be days when people are tired, frustrated, and ready to give up. She reiterated that determination, resilience, and perseverance are not about having every answer.
“It’s about showing up, giving what you have, and refusing to let a difficult moment define your whole story,” she said.
That may be the clearest expression of what Ignite carried with it on the walk. Show up, stand together, and keep going.
Behind every teal shirt is a story. Behind every survivor is a journey, and behind every member of the Ignite community is someone ready to walk alongside them.
One Ignite. One Family. One Band. One Sound.
To learn more about Ignite Community Schools or to enroll, visit www.ignitecommunityschools.com.
