Many people
realize that cancer creates emotional stress on families.
But they
don’t often realize how much financial stress it can cause as well. That is why
Highlands senior Cashel Coughlan donated $30 of the $50 he won in the halftime
contest of the Highlands-Beechwood boys basketball game for the Buckets for
Brady fundraiser to Brady Walz’ family. Walz, a Highlands freshman, was
diagnosed with Pre-B Lymphoblastic Leukemia in May of last year.
“I just decided Brady deserved and needed the money
more than me,” Coughlan said. “Every little bit that can help can make a
big difference.”
The law
offices of Fessler, Schneider and Grimme, LLP have been donating to the family
cause all season. Coughlan was one of two students randomly selected to partake
in the contest. He won $50 for being the runner-up. Highlands Middle School
sixth grader Evan Rom won the first place prize of $200.
Many people
know of at least one person who has suffered from cancer. Coughlan said one of
his uncles came down with it but he survived and is doing great.
Walz’
parents are Shannon and Brian Walz. His aunt is veteran Highlands Ladybird
basketball Head Coach Jaime Walz-Richey and his grandfather is Roger Walz, the
quarterback of the 1960 and 1961 state championship Bluebird football teams.
Brian Walz
said he does not know how families take on this challenge without health
insurance. There are a lot of things even good group health insurance plans do
not cover.
“It’s not just the expenses from the actual cost of
treating and defeating cancer which still take three years after Brady finishes
this final round of chemotherapy in March, but also the secondary expenses
(that add up),” Brian Walz said. “Family Cancer Care and the hours of
physical therapy/training Brady has in front of him to regain the strength that
he has lost over the last nine months are just two examples.”
Brian Walz
thanked Coughlan on the Facebook page dedicated to Brady Walz. Coughlan said
the school has taken a lot of pride in helping out.
“Everyone is very supportive of him as seen with all
the money raised and the Orange Out at the (Cincinnati) Elder (football) game
(in October),” Coughlan said. “Some players even wore orange accessories.”
Brady Walz
could not attend the girl-boy doubleheader Friday because he went in for
another round of treatments. His mother was with him, but she found out
Saturday afternoon.
Class act by a high school kid. Heard about this on Saturday and was hoping there would be some public mention of it somewhere.
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