Trending
Brave boy fights leukemia for 3 years and wins – returns to school with standing ovation
Johndel Callora
01.15.20

Each victory in life is very satisfying especially if you have been victorious by overcoming your life long battles with your own demons.

The demons that I’m talking about are death-bringing illnesses like cancer, epilepsy, congenital heart disease, tuberculosis, diabetes, heart problems and more.

A 6-year-old boy from Geauga County, Ohio named John Oliver Zippay conquered every obstacle he faced and finally won his battle against leukemia for three long years.

Jo Zippy in the hospital
Jo Zippy in the hospital.
Source:
Jo Zippy in the hospital.

When it all started

In 2016, JO his nickname hit his head on his bed’s headboard leaving a dark-colored bruise on his face. Something like Hematoma when blood is being collected outside of blood vessels leaving a discolored mark, this usually occurs when you hit a part of your body.

Jo’s parents took him to the hospital to do some tests and then they were sent home. Suddenly, they got a call from their family doctor to bring Jo to the emergency room and that was the time they figured out that he had acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Screenshot: Artwork made by students and teachers to welcome JO
Source:
Screenshot: Artwork made by students and teachers to welcome JO

The acute lymphoblastic leukemia or ALL is a cancer of the blood cell lymphoid line, characterized by large numbers of immature lymphocytes developing. Symptoms may include tired feeling, pale skin color, cough, easy bleeding or swelling, enlarged lymph nodes or bone pain.

Bad news for the family

When Jo’s parents received the news, they were shocked and felt sadness. The family was devastated after hearing the bad news.

“Screenshot: It was a real shock because that’s when the word cancer started getting thrown around…Everything just stopped right there and then.” – John Zippy the father of Jo.

After the first diagnosis, Jo and his family spent 18 days in the hospital for further tests, blood transfusions and bone marrow biopsies.

Coping up with the cancer

Screenshot: That's Jo walking in the hallway.
Source:
Screenshot: That's Jo walking in the hallway.

Jo is in and out in the hospital for the next three years to undergo rounds of radiation chemotherapy sessions to cure his cancer. He also took medicines that have horrible side effects.

Even though he missed a lot of classes due to his illness, the child never gave up on his studies. He had high grades even though he got a handful of absences, meaning he continued studying even if he is just lying down on the hospital bed.

Screenshot: Jo welcomed by students, teachers and his parents at school
Source:
Screenshot: Jo welcomed by students, teachers and his parents at school

His family was there to support him in every step that he takes. They even printed a shirt saying, “In this family, no one fights alone.”

Conquering leukemia

After enduring three years of treatment, Jo finally won his battle against leukemia! Thanks to the overall support of his family and to the prayers that the people offered.

There will be no more harmful medicines and chemotherapy sessions that would cause big problems for his tiny little body.

Back to school

Screenshot: Happy to defeat leukemia.
Source:
Screenshot: Happy to defeat leukemia.

Jo received a standing ovation when he was welcomed back to school after finishing the last round of his chemotherapy. His teachers and his classmates from St. Helen Catholic School were all smiles and laughter when he entered the hallway.

The video became viral on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more.

This video inspired a lot of people out there who are currently battling cancer, this reminds them not to give up and lose hope.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Article Sources:
To learn more read our Editorial Standards.
Advertisement