Forever DrewStrong

There are so many things I love about working in Worthington, but none more than the way the community rallies to support and encourage one another during times of need.  This is seen each fall when food drive competitions are held to help restock the Worthington Food Pantry, during the holiday season when our students and staff draw together to provide gifts for others in the community who are in need, and, sadly, it is unbelievably evident at times like this when someone who is loved and cared about in the community dies.

Perhaps you didn’t know Drew George.  Drew was not one of “my” students, but everyone knew this 2016 WKHS graduate because of his bright red hair, his athletic talent, and his strength.  Drew played soccer, basketball and baseball during his years at WKHS.  During the fall of his sophomore year of high school Drew was diagnosed with leukemia.  He fought bravely and always with a smile on his face.  That spring, he received a transplant from his older sister, Tori, during her senior year of high school.  He later relapsed and received a second transplant from a stranger.  Sadly, this year he relapsed yet again and even though he fought with everything in him, Drew’s battle has ended. 

I mentioned that I personally didn’t know Drew well, but in so many ways I felt as if I did because I have heard the most incredible “Drew Stories” over the years from his friends, family members and the WKHS staff.  So here is what I can tell you about Drew.  When I think of him, I will always think of a story Mrs. Gratz shared of being at a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the Night event with Drew and her niece, Chloe (who had battled leukemia at just 6 years old).  During the ceremony Drew and Chloe held hands and went forward to celebrate their survival against cancer.  Drew, as Mrs. Gratz’s student, and Chloe, each hold incredibly precious places in her heart and even the thought of them, hand-in-hand, standing there to celebrate their success in the fight against cancer brings tears to my eyes.  Or, perhaps it would be the story of Drew and the connection he had with one of my student’s families who felt that Drew was the brother they never had in their family of girls.  They knew that Drew would always have their back no matter what, but he loved to laugh and have fun too... even if they were trying to force him to watch The Bachelor with them.  There are stories of Mr. Souder (always known as Coach to Drew) giving Drew haircuts and their two families sharing in regular outings for “El Vaquero nights.”  There were stories of Drew playing hide and go seek in the dark in the basement.  And, there are lots of stories with Drew involving sports like Drew going to OSU football games and Drew’s passion for Lebron James, Tiger Woods, and pretty much anything sports related.  But most of all, it would be the stories of his strength.

You see, Drew was strong WITHOUT cancer.  Cancer just put a spotlight on him and his strength.  Drew believed firmly in friendship and prized the relationship with his friends.  Yet he also was generous with his time and attention and could make others feel important even if they were not in his inner circle.  Nothing was more important to Drew though than his family.  He loved them fiercely and wanted to be strong for them no matter what was happening.  And, during his battle with cancer, this was clearly evident.  Drew hated to see those he loved sad and struggling.  He wanted to take away their pain.  He wanted to know that they were ok now and would be ok in the future.  And through everything he always tried to maintain a smile on his face and a “can do” attitude.  When everyone else was devastated at the news that his cancer had returned for a 3^rd time, Drew simply said, I have beat it twice before, I can do it again and his courage gave everyone else hope and courage too.

So, where does that leave us now?  Sad.  So many in our Worthington Community are sad today.  They are feeling lost and confused, questioning and hurting, angry and disappointed because this was NOT the end of the story anyone had wanted.  And that is ok.  We need to feel all of those feelings – as uncomfortable as they are – because that is what allows us to grieve and to grow.  But then we also have a responsibility to Drew.  His strength was too big for one young man.  His gift is that if you knew him in person or even if you had only heard of him, that strength is now yours to hold onto, to nurture and to spread to the world around you.  We need more strength in our world today and now, as a way to honor Drew’s memory, we all can work to be #DrewStrong in our own hearts, minds and lives each day.

That isn’t always easy, but just as Drew gave so many gifts to our community, it is the greatest gift we can now give back to Drew…

Please remember, that if you are struggling with managing your feelings related to Drew’s death or any circumstance in your life, help and support are always available.