By James Tatter, Online Editor
If things had gone according to plan for Brandon Sheron, he would have been settling in as a freshman at Reynolds High School this year. But, as Sheron and his friends and family have learned, sometimes life doesn’t always go according to plan.
As a middle school student at Paisley IB Magnet School, Sheron broke his arm. However, unlike a regular broken bone, it did not seem to be healing properly. Many trips to the doctor’s office later, Sheron found out that this was because he had Stage III Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, a form of cancer that is most common in teens and young adults. Sheron has had to be home schooled, and has been in and out of the hospital for treatment since his diagnosis.
As if this wasn’t daunting enough for a middle school student, Sheron’s family did not have the insurance to cover the medical expenses associated with his treatment.
Luckily for Brandon, he has a classmate named Daniel Watts.
Watts, a 10th-grader at Paisley and a cross-country runner at Parkland High School, has organized a 5K run/walk at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds on Saturday, Dec. 21, in order to raise money for Sheron’s treatment. The event begins at 9 a.m. and registrations can be purchased online through Ticketmaster (add $4.65 for handling) or in person for $25 at the fairgrounds.
“I decided to organize a road race because running is something that I am really passionate about,” Watts said. “This idea has enabled me to do something that I really enjoy, and help a friend at the same time.”
Watts is also using this race to fulfill a requirement for 10th-graders in the Paisley IB program in which students have to complete a personal project that ties together the many ideals taught at the school.
“Students chose any project that they care about,” said Catherine Birmingham, a guidance counselor at Paisley. “Since Daniel runs cross country and was one of Brandon’s classmates in geometry during the eighth grade, he decided to organize a 5K race as a fundraiser. Daniel is doing a fantastic job.”
Watts has received race sponsorships from the City of Winston-Salem, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union and I.L. Long Construction. Besides that, he has received donations from Señor Bravo, The Rush Fitness Complex and Brynn’s Frozen Yogurt. He also has received guidance and support in the setup of the race from Fleet Feet and Parkland running coach Eric Fritz.
“It has been a lot of hard work putting this together,” Watts said. “The hardest part, though, was getting started. Once I found out where to start, I had guidance from different businesses and individuals.”
Watts isn’t the only one at Paisley who has reached out to help Sheron.
“The school community came together, raising around $1,500 to help the Sheron family,” Birmingham said.
Sheron knows how fortunate he is to have the support of so many friends and classmates.
“Everyone has been supporting me the best they can,” Sheron said before adding: “(Daniel) is a good friend.”
Watts says there have been specific moments that have made him realize the impact he is having.
“I tried to set up a time to take Brandon’s picture for publicity purposes, but he was in the hospital. That made me realize that what I’m doing is actually important,” Watts said.
Sheron remains unfazed by his situation, and in the future he hopes to help other people who need medical treatment.
“I want to be a doctor,” Sheron said.
Before he gets a chance to start helping others, Sheron could use the help of his friends and classmates.
Reynolds students who are in town for the holidays are encouraged to make it out for this race. Sheron hasn’t been able to be a part of the Demon family yet, but should be walking the halls once he has recovered. Click to visit the “Battle For Brandon Fun Run/Walk 5K” Facebook page for information on the event and how to sign up.