A boy has received a standing ovation from his classmates following his return to school after he beat cancer.
Young John Oliver Zippay from Ohio had been fighting cancer for three long years before he was finally set to undergo his final chemotherapy round.
To welcome the 6-year-old boy back at St Helen Catholic School, his classmates lined up in the hallway and gave him big applause as he walked in.
“Him having to miss some of the time was tough, but the class was just so happy to see him come back,” Principal Patrick Gannon said.
As FOX29 reported, John spent dozens of days in the hospital following his diagnosis back in 2016. Despite his packed schedule, however, the boy allegedly never skipped homework.
“He had a meta-port in his chest so he wasn’t able to do any physical activity for three years. So it was hard for him, had to sit back for gym class and things,” dad John Zippay revealed.
“You want that for your child, to grow up and get dirty and play outside and have fun and we kept him in a bubble so we’re excited. Looking forward to the future and having our little boy back,” mum Megan added.
After her little boy had beaten the disease, the proud mother has thanked everyone for their support and pleaded with people to “continue to pray for and support those still fighting the battle of cancer.”
“As we celebrate JO’s last chemo treatment we are filled with much joy, but we recognize we are not out of the woods yet, and will continue to pray for him,” Megan wrote on Facebook.
“As we move forward in life, and start a new chapter, we recognize how fortunate we are, how fragile life is, and that we must cherish every moment together as people.
“This journey has opened our eyes to the amazing goodness in people, and the immense love and compassion that can be shared amongst us. There is absolutely no way we could have done this alone.”
What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to SHARE this post with your family and friends and follow us on Facebook for more news and stories!
Replaced!