Breaking News
Local News

Staff, students support cancer patient

Spartans raise funds to aid family

2 min read
Submitted photo Boardman High School Student Government, Emerging Leaders and National Honor Society members joined together to launch a T-shirt campaign “No Spartan Fights Alone.” More than 600 T-shirts were sold and thousands of dollars raised to help Alex Perry and his family. Alex, a sophomore who is battling bone cancer. All students and staff across the district who purchased the T-shirts will be wearing them on Wednesday to remind Alex he is in their thoughts and prayers.

Staff report

BOARDMAN -- Boardman High School sophomore Alex Perry is battling bone cancer for the second time, but his Spartan family wants him to know he is not fighting alone.

The 16-year-old was first diagnosed with stage 3 osteosarcoma two years ago while in 8th grade at Glenwood Junior High. He lost his leg, learned to walk again and battled his way to remission until August, when the cancer returned. Alex is now giving it all he's got.

Last month, student leaders from three BHS organizations -- National Honor Society, Student Government and Emerging Leaders -- joined forces with an idea for T-shirts featuring a Lego Spartan since Alex loves Legos. The Spartan is yellow, which is his favorite color.

They sold more than 600 shirts, and on Wednesday, all students and staff who purchased a shirt will wear the "No Spartan Fights Alone" shirts so Alex can see the support from the school.

BHS will take a group photo Wednesday morning at 8:45 a.m. in front of the high school. Students and staff across the district will wear their shirts, and many photos will be snapped to share with Alex, his parents and his four siblings who also attend Boardman Local Schools.

Also on Wednesday, Boardman graduate Bill James, owner of the new Boardman Chick Fil-A restaurant at 480 Boardman-Canfield Road, has joined the effort to support Alex and his family. Chick-fil-A will host a Community Care Day on Wednesday during which 10% of the day's proceeds will go to the Perry family. The Chick-fil-A app must be used for the fundraiser.

A third effort, an online basket raffle, will be launched on Wednesday and run until Dec. 10. The online raffle can be found at https://nospartanfightsalone.alexperry.basketraffle.org/

Cancer never affects one person, but the entire family. As Alex's parents are constantly attending to his needs while also caring for his four siblings, it's made working nearly impossible. It's hoped these efforts will help ease the financial hardships this Spartan family is facing.

news@vindy.com

Starting at /week.