Have you seen this CNN report? http://www.cnn.com/…/pkg-girl-fighting-cancer-kicked-out-of…
I am outraged after seeing this CNN report about a little girl who has just completed treatment for leukemia who was kicked out of Catholic middle school because of her attendance and academic standing. We are talking middle school. She had attended this school her whole school life and was understandably upset when they as she described, “got rid of me.”
As the parent of a child who only wanted to go to school up until his death, I am so angry right now. I offered Cory the opportunity to go and see anyplace in the world. I was willing to sell my house and every worldly thing I owned to fulfill his wish. He told me, “I just want to go to school mama. I want to be normal for as long as I can.” Well, the little girl in Battle Creek stated that school was the only place where she felt “normal” too.
Through my 10 years as the president of Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Washington and my five years as the Washington State Team Leader for CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation I met so many children/youth. I am here to tell you unequivocally that every single one of them just wanted to feel “normal.”
The powers that be at the school and that archdiocese should be ashamed of themselves! At at a time when this little girl and her family need support the system is kicking her to the curb. At at time when they should be demonstrating their holy beliefs that one would imagine were inspired by God and the examples that Jesus set…they are failing this child and her family miserably.
In the news story the priest who is representing the school’s side of the situation doesn’t even sound like he believes what he is saying. Or maybe that’s me projecting that I cannot believe his lame reason for this child being summarily dismissed right before the end of the school year. There is obviously more to the story than what he is letting on. Are they worried that she is bringing down their curve and rendering their promotional materials inaccurate? So, was it was a business decision? She missed a lot of school – uh yeah. In the giant scheme of things so what? It’s middle school for God’s sake! Her father says in the piece that his daughter was passing all of her core classes. I for one think that is quite an accomplishment and should have been good enough.
SHAME ON THEM! I cannot believe that the people of Battle Creek aren’t marching in the streets protesting the mis-treatment of this child. I know that if I was there I would be rallying the entire city. So, now I must content myself with asking you to watch the story and then go to the the Battle Creek Catholic School system’s website at http://www.bcacs.org /contactus.htm and let them know what you think of their decision.
And another thing — at a time when Catholic churches and schools have been hit with so many sex abuse scandals this is not the time for them to be showing the world that they care so little for a young girl who has already been to hell and back with chemotherapy and whatever other treatments she has endured. I hope the Pope sees the CNN report and kicks up a fuss and a few arses.
Be well,
Shirley
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