Nick's Journey

Welcome to Nick's Journey.
This page has been created to keep everyone informed on
Nick Serum's battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

Journal

Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 04:59 PM (CST)

This story was in the Olathe Daily News on January 28, 2003 - Front Page!! - with a picture of Nick and David Kearney - Click on the Photos button at the top of the page to view the picture


The principal really is his pal

Kevin Selders
kselders@olathedailynews.com

When David Kearney, principal at Sunnyside Elementary School, became an educator, he thought he'd be the one doing all of the teaching and inspiring.
However, as he witnessed two of his students' bouts with leukemia, Kearney found himself the inspired one. In response to what the students taught him through the manner in which they dealt with their struggles, Kearney will take on the challenge of running a marathon this summer in Alaska to raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
"I think it just provides an opportunity for me to give something back to them for all I've learned from them," he said. "It gives me an opportunity to recognize my appreciation for everything I've learned from them."
Kearney, 46, has participated in several 5k runs and a few marathons, but he's never completed the 26.2-mile run. During his next attempt, he'll be running in memory of Jared and in honor of Nick in the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon June 21 in Anchorage, Alaska.
"The battles they've experienced go far above anything I've experienced during my life," he said. "I've learned the positive determination they had in living each day and enjoying the experiences they are given is what life's all about."
The student who first inspired Kearney with his battle of leukemia was Jared Coones, who fought the disease for two of the five years Kearney was principal at Black Bob Elementary School. Coones, known for his sense of humor and love of drawing, died in 1998 at the age of 10, but not before displaying a courageous heart.
"I think throughout the time Jared had leukemia, he always was courageous in battling the disease, and he always maintained an extremely positive attitude," Kearney said.
A kindergartner at Sunnyside, Nick Serum, is now in remission from leukemia. Kearney said he had displayed a character similar to Jared's in his battle with the disease. The outgoing boy, who loves sports, has seven months of chemotherapy left and then has to be leukemia-free for five years before he's considered cured.
"I think one of the things that has contributed to his recovery is his positive attitude," Nick's principal said. "He's just a radiant kid who enjoys being at school and around his friends, and he eagerly anticipates what the future holds."
The marathon is being organized through The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training, which is the world's largest endurance sports training program. TNT, as it's often called, provides coaching, training and support.
In exchange for the training and support, runners must raise money toward a cure for blood-related diseases, such as leukemia, one of the leading killers of children, and lymphoma, a leading killer of men and women under 35.
Kearney now must raise about $4,200 to be one of the tens of thousands who will participate in the marathon on behalf of the society.
Heidi Holmes, organizer of The Leukemia Society's Team in Training, said she's impressed by Kearney's reason for running.
"I think it's amazing," she said. "I know he's very excited."
She said more than 60 individuals from the Kansas City area have signed up for the event.
"We'll get more in the next week," she said.
Jared's father, Tom Coones, will join Kearney in the marathon. He said that when he and his wife's son was battling leukemia, Kearney was a frequent visitor to hospital and the Coones' home. The principal also showed support by being a participant in the annual Jared Coones Memorial Pumpkin 5k Run/Walk.
"He's very special to our family," Tom Coones said. "For him to want to do this even in Jared's memory means a great deal to both of us."
Nick's parents are impressed with Kearney's actions as well.
"I think it says a lot about David as a person," Mike Serum said. " I think he's the type of person you want as a principal. I think he just truly cares about children, and they just adore him. I can't say enough good things about David."
Kearney said he hoped others would participate in the fight against leukemia by being a part of the marathon.
"I would encourage others to be involved because of the important work that the society does and that they're committed to making a difference for all individuals with blood-related diseases," Kearney said.
An informational meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the office of the Kansas City Chapter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at 6811 W. 63rd St., Suite 202, Shawnee Mission. For more information, visit www.leukemia-lymphoma.org.

Look at past journal entries

Hospital Information:

Patient Room: Nick is home right now!!

Children's Mercy
2401 Gillham Road
Kansas City, MO 64108
816-234-3000

Email address  : mbserum@sbcglobal.net

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