VHHS students surprise 4-year-old cancer survivor with trip to Disney World

VHHS students celebrated the success of their fall fundraising season on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. with a special moment for one young cancer patient. Led by the Student Government Association, the students surprised 4-year-old Connor of Birmingham with the news that he will be traveling to Walt Disney World in Orlando. 

Each fall, the VHHS SGA selects a local charity to raise funds during the school’s fall philanthropy drive. This year, students chose Magic Moments and fundraised through activities such as powder-puff football game ticket sales, a talent show and more. They raised a total of $21,500 for the organization.

“The ‘Rebel edge’ is alive and well, and we are excited to have the opportunity to make a magic moment happen for a deserving child in our area,” SGA President James Harris said.

Connor, who will turn 5 on Jan. 22, was diagnosed in August 2014 with a brain tumor. Since then, he has been in the hospital or to daily doctors’ appointments, undergoing rounds of intense chemotherapy and radiation. Currently, Connor is in remission from his cancer, and his prognosis is positive. During the January event, the entire VHHS student body sang "Happy Birthday" to him.

“It is so meaningful when young adults get involved with our mission of bringing joy to children suffering with chronic, life-threatening diseases,” said Joyce Spielberger, executive director of Magic Moments. “Through their work with Magic Moments, they are able to see and understand firsthand the impact their fundraising efforts have, and in turn, maybe stop for a moment and count the blessings in their own lives.”

 Magic Moments is a Birmingham-based nonprofit organization providing non-medical wishes to critically ill children ages 4-18 living in Alabama. For more, visit magicmoments.org.