My cousin finally went home yesterday after cancer treatment in NY (News article included)
This is an article printed in SC about my little cousin. Just thought I'd share!!
Welcome Home
Ginger Wilder
WSAV News 3
Friday, September 5, 2003
A year ago, a Bluffton family was told their son only had a few years to live. 9-year-old Stephen Golis was diagnosed with cancer.
But today, after a year of grueling treatments and even losing a leg, his cancer is in remission, his prognosis is good and he’s ready to get back to normal life.
He has been in New York getting treatments since last October, and finally flew home today – to a waiting surprise. Quite a crowd had gathered for his homecoming, including family, friends, school classmates, and even firefighters.
His classmates from Bluffton Elementary School held hand-made welcome home banners as Stephen got off the plane. Teacher Kelly Dean said, 'When I let them know last week that he was coming they were really excited and wanted to make signs and wanted to know exactly when he's coming back.'
Stephen has always loved fire trucks, so Bluffton firefighters also came to his welcome home party. They signed a helmet to give to Stephen. 'We had all the men in the fire department sign it for him,” said firefighter Steve Kasper, “and hopefully this is a good reminder for him, and he can put it up on his shelf and hopefully be proud.'
When Stephen's plane finally landed, he said he was surprised to see the waiting crowd. His father, Chris Golis, said the community support has often brought him to tears.
“Too many people to thank,” he said, “and it could never be repaid.”
The firefighters had another gift – a ride home in a fire truck. 'It's going to be cool,' said a smiling Stephen.
Inside the truck, he tried the horn and siren a few times before they finally rolled out of the parking lot and headed toward Bluffton. Chris Golis said this was the perfect start of a new chapter for Stephen, who is ready to get rolling, and get back to life.
Welcome Home Party
Family and friends are hosting an official welcome home party for Stephen Golis next Saturday, September 13, from 11a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Bluffton Recreational Center. The whole community is invited, because the family would like to thank everyone for helping them through this difficult time.
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Welcome Home
Ginger Wilder
WSAV News 3
Friday, September 5, 2003
A year ago, a Bluffton family was told their son only had a few years to live. 9-year-old Stephen Golis was diagnosed with cancer.
But today, after a year of grueling treatments and even losing a leg, his cancer is in remission, his prognosis is good and he’s ready to get back to normal life.
He has been in New York getting treatments since last October, and finally flew home today – to a waiting surprise. Quite a crowd had gathered for his homecoming, including family, friends, school classmates, and even firefighters.
His classmates from Bluffton Elementary School held hand-made welcome home banners as Stephen got off the plane. Teacher Kelly Dean said, 'When I let them know last week that he was coming they were really excited and wanted to make signs and wanted to know exactly when he's coming back.'
Stephen has always loved fire trucks, so Bluffton firefighters also came to his welcome home party. They signed a helmet to give to Stephen. 'We had all the men in the fire department sign it for him,” said firefighter Steve Kasper, “and hopefully this is a good reminder for him, and he can put it up on his shelf and hopefully be proud.'
When Stephen's plane finally landed, he said he was surprised to see the waiting crowd. His father, Chris Golis, said the community support has often brought him to tears.
“Too many people to thank,” he said, “and it could never be repaid.”
The firefighters had another gift – a ride home in a fire truck. 'It's going to be cool,' said a smiling Stephen.
Inside the truck, he tried the horn and siren a few times before they finally rolled out of the parking lot and headed toward Bluffton. Chris Golis said this was the perfect start of a new chapter for Stephen, who is ready to get rolling, and get back to life.
Welcome Home Party
Family and friends are hosting an official welcome home party for Stephen Golis next Saturday, September 13, from 11a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Bluffton Recreational Center. The whole community is invited, because the family would like to thank everyone for helping them through this difficult time.
