We should all learn a life lesson from seven year old Noah; the art of embrace, acceptance and appreciation.
A couple of years ago, a real special Copper Mesa Elementary school student, Noah at age five unfortunately diagnosed with leukemia.
His parents explained that with the diagnosis there would be lots of tough times ahead in order to kill all the "bad cells" that are in his young body.
Noah is not afraid of dying, he tells his parents; he embraces life and will do what it takes to fight this leukemia battle.
He endures the pokes and prods of needles, the medicine and the after effects of cancer therapy/treatment; because he realizes that it will make him healthier.
Countless parents would do anything to switch places with their child having to deal with cancer, as Aimee, Noah's mom comments.
Noah continues to fight all the bad cells, but knows that giving back helps heal the heart.
Noah appreciates everyone for their positive energy towards his healing; the Gabby Krause Foundation gave him an early Christmas upon his arrival to the hospital for some very painful treatment. A gift of goodies only a young boy would be grateful for; games toys, art and crafts, Nintendo DS, all wrapped up in a rolling animal suitcase with a big bow!
Noah's circumstance is a mere reflection of gratitude that Mrs. Christine Capocelli, Noah's 2 nd grade teacher shares; she too is in remission from Leukemia.She empathizes with Noah and can relate to his struggles.Christine knows how strong and brave you need to be to withstand the medical treatment for cancer.
When Noah and his family gave Christine a flyer about his
"Boo" t-shirts to raise awareness and funds for children with cancer, she wanted to help him, and the t-shirts starting selling in Noah's classroom, and in Christine's words, then "the shirts sold like wildfire" throughout the school.
In celebration of Noah being cancer free for two years, Mrs. Capocelli, organized a wonderful surprise.
Students from kindergarten to sixth grades rushed to line the hallways with great anticipation of Noah's arrival as everyone wanted to join in the celebration of Noah being cancer free for two whole years.
Noah's fellow classmates held up home made signs to congratulate Noah.To show their support of Noah, hundreds of Copper Mesa students, teachers, and parents wore the t-shirts that Noah designed, with the words
BOO!! I scare Cancer on them, showing their support to Noah and to help his cause.
As Noah and his family entered the school, photos were taken, deafening sounds of clapping and cheering, tears of joy shed, high fives as Noah and his family paraded around the entire building. Noah's smile adorned his face ear to ear!
This boy has given more in his short life then most of us give in a lifetime. Stronger then most, he has touched many lives, and continues to help others in similar situations as he.
Noah's special "
Boo" shirts are available in variety of colors and can be ordered at;
boo4cancer@hotmail.com, with proceeds towards his favorite charities, the very ones that helped him!
As I write this article, Noah and his family are basking in the delights of tropical Hawaiian vacation, as Noah was granted his wish from the
Make a Wish Foundation.