ORANGE PARK – Cathy Moore Rangeo taught physical education at Orange Park Junior High School for 37 years where she coached boys track and field and everybody seemed to know her and love her.

“She’s funny, outgoing,” said Janet Coleman, a friend of 25 years and fellow teacher. “She’s always there, saying, ‘I can do that.’”

When anyone needed help, Cathy always seemed to be around to lend a hand. Whenever a cause needed a champion, such as the walk to fight multiple sclerosis or a fundraiser to beat cancer, Cathy was there.

“You never really had to ask, she just did it,” Coleman said.

Now, it is Cathy who could use a little help from her friends.

Over the Summer, Rangeo found a lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent treatment, and just this week had a second surgery to remove lymph nodes. Her prognosis is optimistic, but medical bills are piling up.

A teacher’s retirement in Clay County only goes so far.

“She never does for herself, she always does for other people,” Coleman said. “She’s always been more concerned about others. She’s not someone who thinks about asking for help. I’m just trying to get the word out.”

Rangeo didn’t want to go public about her illness herself, but she gave her friends the ‘OK’ to do so on her behalf. Coleman is among those who is trying to raise money for her medical bills. She set up an account at VyStar under “Janet Coleman/Cathy Rangeo” for people to give.

There’s also a GoFundMe account, initiated by another friend. Just go to GoFundMe.com and do a search for Cathy Rangeo.

“She was there for me in 2012 when I had open-heart surgery,” Coleman said. “I was recovering for six months. She has done a lot for so many people.”

Rangeo, who retired four years ago, has two grown children, a son Alex and a daughter Kristen. She has two granddaughters – Madison and Morgan – by Kristen. She also has a grandson on the way, as Alex and his wife are expecting.

Alex overcame testicular cancer within the last few years.

“I just really hope people will help out, if they can,” Coleman said. “Cathy has been such a major part of our community for many years. She has always been out front, leading the way when it comes to helping people in need and promoting important causes.

“I know she’ll be doing that again, even if it takes her a year or however long to get past her illness,” Coleman said. “So it would be wonderful if people can show their support for her.”