VCU Medical Center hosts annual graduation for pediatric cancer patients

By Makeda Saggau-Sackey
University News Services

Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center’s Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic and the Hospital Education Program recently hosted the annual graduation in honor of patients who are finishing high school.

The ceremony June 2 recognized students for managing their academic responsibilities while undergoing treatment for cancer and other blood disorders.

The 14 students honored attended high schools across Central Virginia. They included 10 hematology/oncology patients and four sickle cell patients. Each student received recognition for balancing treatment schedules and academic assignments.

During the ceremony, the students shared their personal stories and experiences – an event that brought tears to the auditorium filled with family, friends, doctors and the media.

“This experience has made my family and me look at the world totally different and taught us to live life each day to its fullest,” said Aubrey Cox, a graduating senior and a cancer survivor. “It’s like God has taken my first set of eyes out and replaced them with new ones because now I see the world totally different.”

Cox, who will be majoring in radiation therapy this fall at VCU, expressed his excitement and anticipation of the next chapter of his life.

“I can relate to patients going through therapy and I will be able to help them more,” said Cox.

Graduating seniors were recognized by Alma Morgan, educational consultant; Kumar Godder, M.D., director of the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology program; and local school division representatives.

Additional guest speakers included Heidi Bach, a childhood cancer survivor and an education major at Radford University and E. Clifton Russell, M.D., chair of the division of pediatric hematology/oncology.