Benevolent battleground: DI 5k run to benefit BEHS freshman

They are called the Battling Bishops. And though the students of Bishop England High School wear the name, say the name, and represent the name, they may not always consider what it means to have that warrior spirit.

Whether or not Abby Johnson considers it, she certainly has it. Since October 2015, when she received a diagnosis of Stage II Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, the Bishop England ninth grader has been fighting a very real battle. After graduating from Daniel Island School, Abby had just found a strong rhythm in high school, hitting her stride in the classroom and on the track and trail as a member of BE’s cross country team. But when some pain in her chest and uncharacteristic exhaustion refused to subside, she was taken to the emergency room and learned that there was an exceedingly difficult course ahead of her.

Over the next several months, Abby underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy at MUSC Children’s Hospital. During this time, she was out of school and all activities, and the family was forced to find a new “normal,” with interruption to every aspect of their lives. Careers took a step back, socializing was put on hold, and preserving positive childhood moments for Abby’s younger sister meant a more concerted effort. But with the help of friends, family, and the Bishop England and Daniel Island community, the Johnsons forged ahead, often with Abby at the emotional helm. “She takes everything that comes her way in stride and often has to remind the rest of us that there are others who are suffering more than she is,” her parents stated on her GiveForward blog.

Abby completed her chemotherapy on January 4, 2016, and returned to school just a couple weeks later. Though in many ways she is returning to the life of a typical teen, she and her family still have an ongoing fight to the finish. In an effort to further support this, the Daniel Island 5k Race and Walk taking place on Saturday, March 12, will serve in part as a fundraiser toward expenses from treatment, health-related household needs, and lost time at work. The GiveForward campaign for Abby, initiated shortly after her diagnosis, has achieved over half of its $15,000 goal; the DI 5k aims to make a further run for that target.

The race kicks off from Bishop England High School at 9 a.m., with a kids fun run commencing at 10 a.m. Sponsored by Lucey Mortgage, the 5k will present cash prizes to the top three overall and top masters finishers, as well as gift certificates to the top three in each age group. Participants have the option of online or onsite registration, including or without a long sleeve t-shirt. Kids run participants will receive a t-shirt and a medal with registration. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Abby Johnson’s GiveForward campaign.

And so, with determined legs, this community takes up arms alongside Abby in her battle.

Register for the Daniel Island 5k at www.besports.net/behs/5k. To make a donation to Abby Johnson’s GiveForward campaign, visit https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/nljb/abby-johnson-s-hodgkin-s-lym...

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