Terence Harris Jr., a 9-year-old African American boy from Alliance, Ohio, was surprised with a parade of hundreds of people and more than 100 vehicles, all coming together to lift his spirits as he battles cancer for the fourth time.
Terence has been fighting the disease since before he turned 2 years old, according to Fox 8 News. Over the years, he has endured surgery to remove a chest tumor, two stem cell transplants, and several trial medications. His mother, Brandi Harris, said his latest diagnosis revealed four tumors in his skull and another along his spine, requiring aggressive radiation treatments.
The parade idea started with Sandy Mascitti, Terence’s former kindergarten teacher and close family friend. Hoping to uplift his spirits, she asked online for people to send cards. The response quickly grew, and local resident Ed Wagner suggested organizing a parade to bring even more encouragement.
“I figure if we can put a smile on his face and lift his spirits up, it’s all worth it,” said Wagner.
On Friday night, the streets of Alliance were filled with Jeeps, muscle cars, motorcycles, and trucks. Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics led the procession, which stretched for miles along Pike Avenue and lasted nearly an hour. Participants brought gifts, donations, and offered hugs and fist bumps along the way.
Terence stood and smiled through much of the event, giving each vehicle a thumbs-up. His mother said the experience gave him a burst of energy. “It seems like this is his medicine. He does so well when he is surrounded by people. I haven’t seen him stand that long in a while,” Brandi said.
The tough vehicles were chosen to reflect Terence’s strength as a fighter. When asked about his favorite part of the parade, he answered, “I think it was great, my favorite thing was everything.”
For the Harris family, the parade was a reminder of community love and strength.
“It means the world to me,” said Terence Harris, Sr.
“In a world full of chaos, the fact that so many people can take time out of their day just to be kind to somebody else really means the world. From my heart to yours, your living rooms, I thank you, I love you, Terence loves you, and he thanks you,” said Brandi.
SOURCE: blacknews.com