BSM parent Mrs. Ann Dickey, mother of freshman Elizabeth Dickey, has been battling cancer and students, faculty, and staff have rallied around her. The main way in which the community is showing its support for Dickey is through the Twitter hashtag #flexforann, used with pictures of supporters flexing.

Dickey, who has been battling melanoma, recently had an operation to remove tumors from her brain. In response to her battle, the Dickey family’s friend Emma Bonthius started the Twitter hashtag to bring attention to and offer support for Dickey.  The hashtag has drawn hundreds of tweets from people all across the state, and even the country. Notable people such as Vikings receiver Greg Jennings, Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and Twins pitcher Glen Perkins have used the hashtag. 

Various BSM teachers, clubs, and teams have organized photos in which students flex in support of Dickey. Additionally, BSM Marketing and Communications Specialist Hannah Tessien wanted to offer faculty and staff an opportunity to flex for Ann. “We just wanted to set up a photo to show that the faculty and staff supports the family,” Tessien said. “Elizabeth came to us and asked us to help spread the word, and we figured since everyone else in the school was doing it, that some of us should show our support for them in this time of hardship.”