The John Carroll Community is a faith filled family engaged in an all-out fight against cancer. Recently, students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and friends have been supporting our friend and Director of Enrollment, Mr. Eddie Maynard, in his battle against stage-3 colon cancer, but on Tuesday, November 4, our endeavor to fight cancer went even broader. In hosting the John Carroll Cancer Awareness Day, our school community came together to heighten awareness and sensitivity about this disease.
During the morning session, stories were shared by alumni, parents, and even current students whose lives were affected by cancer. Mrs. Toni Meares and Mrs. Lisa Sheehan, both parents of senior boys, spoke of the support and love of the community during their breast cancer treatments. Mr. Kevin Wein, a stage-4 colon cancer patient at the Kaufman Center, and Mr. Louis McKay, a 22 year old testicular cancer survivor, bravely shared about their fight with cancer to a crowded roomful of students, faculty, and staff. Alumni Bernie Richards, ’01, described how meaningful it was during his appendix cancer treatment when Rodney “Hot Rod” Johnson visited him at a low point . Several other speakers shared the importance of support and the appreciation that fighting cancer had given them for the little things in life. Finally Senior Amanda Brannan, who lost her mother to cancer almost 8 years ago, honored her mother by sharing a little bit of her story. Many in the audience were touched by the stories they heard and the hope that was shared. Throughout the day students visited displays set up by Upper Chesapeake’s Community Health Link and the Health Department to educate everyone on different cancers and possible early detection and treatments. The interactive exhibits demonstrated the danger of many cancers to students and allowed them to see first-hand the effects of the disease.
Following the afternoon speaker sessions, the health care workers, cancer survivors, and a group of students were able to share a lunch together and discuss further their experiences. It truly was an afternoon of seeing our school’s Mission Statement come to life as our students experienced shaping a more just and compassionate global society.
John Carroll School continues its "Patriot Strong - I'm 4 Eddie" campaign by selling wristbands to support Mr. Maynard and his family - (friends, alumni, parents, and student can check out the link here to donate - https://johncarroll.org/store/products/im4eddie ). Wristbands can be bought online or at the school store. Students with wristbands will be permitted to dress down Friday Nov. 7th, and Friday, Nov. 21st. In addition, if the school can collect over $10,000 for the Maynard family, students will shave Mr. Del Puppo's head after the Thanksgiving Prayer Service on Nov. 25th (9-10:30am). All members of our community are welcome to join us on the 25th.
