THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 Page 3 Rolling rally held for EHS student battling Hodgkin lymphoma Saraí Velez (fifth from right), a junior at Everett High School, was surprised by several teachers and friends who organized a rolling rally for her on March 20. (Courtesy Photos) By Christopher Roberson A myriad of educators and students recently held a rolling rally for Saraí Velez in a tremendous display of support and solidarity for their friend who is in the fight of her life against Hodgkin lymphoma. “We wanted to do this to show her that she’s not alone and that her community is here for her no matter what,” said Alexa Stevens during the March 20 rally, which began at the Madeline English School and ended at Velez’s home on Ferry Street. Velez, a junior at Everett High School, was thrilled that her friends and teachers came together to organize the parade. “I think they’re amazing people,” she said. “I never expected they would do something like this for me.” Two months ago, Velez, received the horrifying news that she had been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Prior to her diagnosis, Velez was described as “very loud, energetic, easygoing, selfless and independent.” Then things began to change. “Over the past few years, different things have been changing throughout her life and causing her not to feel like her happy, energetic self,” said Walkiria Davila, who started a GoFundMe page for Velez on February 25. “She finally went to the doctor and they realized that she has been suffering from Hodgkin lymphoma for some time.” To date $10,610 has been raised for Velez. Davila said Velez was looking forward to playing Division 3 field hockey in college. “With this major speed bump in the road she has stopped, and she doesn’t know if she’ll be able to continue,” said Davila. “It has flipped her life upside down. She was so excited to finish high school doing what she loved and then continuing throughout college.” Davila also said Velez planned to major in criminal justice with the goal of becoming a police officer. “She loves working hard in school and pushing herself, but due to this she is unable to put her full effort into school,” said Davila, adding that Velez is constantly plagued by the side effects of chemotherapy. Although Velez faces a long road ahead, the overall survivSaraí Velez was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in January. al rate of Hodgkin lymphoma is 87 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.
4 Publizr Home