Brendan Franco has spent much of the last year being a cheerleader and prayer warrior for other young people who, like him, are faced with battling cancer.
While Brendan receives chemotherapy in Birmingham, much of his down time is spent praying for other children in the hospital, his father Armand said.
Last Thursday, Coppinville Junior High School students and faculty were Brendan’s cheerleaders.
A blush reddened Brendan’s cheeks as he walked up the sidewalk of CJHS last week towards his surprise birthday party.
Moments earlier, the 12-year-old had been somewhat nervous and excited about walking into the school for the first time since being diagnosed with a rare liver cancer last year.
Brendan thought he was going to school for a conference. He didn’t know the school had been in a tizzy planning a party for him, a fellow classmate the students missed the entire year.
Brendan’s birthday is May 27, but CJHS students and faculty wanted to show the young man how much he means to both them and the entire community with a surprise birthday party, said Principal Angela Seals.
“When we pulled up and he saw the balloons for the party he said, ‘You lied to me,’” Brendan’s mother, Bonnie, said with a smile. “We didn’t know it was going to be this big.”
But embarrassment soon turned to laughter when Brendan walked into the gymnasium and saw old friends, new friends, teachers and loved ones cheering for him.
“Hey, go Brendan!” rang out through the gymnasium and the preteen blushed once again as his parents smiled.
Students donned colorful hats to make Brendan comfortable in the midst of his chemo treatment, sang songs and cheered for the young man who has been an inspiration to the entire community during his fight with cancer.
“Brendan, it is a blessing to see you and call you one of our Eagles,” Seals said.
Enterprise City Schools Superintendent Dr. Aaron Milner said though it might be hard for Brendan to grasp at such a young age, “You have served as an example to our entire community.”
Brendan was a student at Holly Hill Elementary School when he was diagnosed with cancer.
Holly Hill Elementary School Principal Christie Mitten and his sixth grade classmates joined together to celebrate Brendan’s birthday.
“Brendan has changed our lives. He is our hero. He is an amazing young man. Never once have I seen him down, depressed or upset. He always has a smile on his face,” she said.
As Enterprise Mayor Kenneth Boswell presented Brendan with a replica of the Boll Weevil Monument he praised the young man for his strength.
“These are only given out to special people,” he said, adding that the statue represent resilience and the strength to continue to fight every day.
The outpouring of love shown by the students and faculty during the surprise party overwhelmed Brendan.
“I’m shocked,” he said laughing. “I had no idea.”
Seals said she was so pleased they were able surprise such a deserving young man.
“All is not lost in public schools. It is better to walk the walk than to talk the talk. He is more about other people than himself. This is my 34th and final year in public schools and this is the culmination of everything I have believed public school is all about,” she said.
The party last Thursday was just the beginning of his birthday celebrations. Brendan, his parents and his sister Marielle left Monday for a six-day adventure in Hawaii.
Members of the community are also planning a birthday party April 21 at BamaJam Farms. To volunteer to help with the party, or for more information, go to “Pray for Brendon Franco and Family” on Facebook.
A carwash is planned on March 31 to raise money for the party. The carwash is from 8 a.m. to noon at the Shell Station across the street from Publix.
Francine Luice posted at 2:39 am on Mon, Aug 20, 2012.
Brendan is really great, the real hero for all of us.
Riding vacation