LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — As senior year is starting to wind down for these students at Abington Heights High School near Clarks Summit, the microbiology class is wrapping up their lessons.
"We're all super interested in science; most of us are trying to do it in college. And we all love Ms. Moss; that's why a lot of us took the class. We're learning about infections, viruses, all kinds of microbes," said senior Colin Price.
But back in mid-April, this group of students received a lesson they never expected.
"She brought textbooks into the classroom and then she started to have a calf cramp, and then it started to move up her leg, and then it happened," recalled Price.
Their teacher, Barbara Moss, began to have a seizure.
"She was communicating to us very well. She immediately knew she had a seizure. She basically diagnosed herself. She talked us through what to do," added Price.
The group of seniors sprang into action, putting the teacher on the floor of her classroom and calling for help.
"I definitely was in shock. I sprinted full speed down to the nurse," recalled senior Mark Lynott.
That seizure was a warning sign that led Moss to be diagnosed with lung cancer.
I'm just glad that we were there. If anything else could've happened, it could've been worse. So, we just sprung right into action and gave her the best situation she could be in," said Price.
Teachers can impact a student's life forever. But it's these students that have done just that for their teacher.
"She's a great teacher. She's always interested in our personal lives and what's going on. She wants the best for us. So, it's great to hear that she's doing OK," added Lynott.
Moss is recovering at home, as she is still undergoing treatment. The school says they are hopeful she will return to teaching.