Student Fighting Leukemia Crowned Homecoming King
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (WCCO) -- Expectations are high at Eden Prairie and results follow. Last year the team played in the state championship. Two years ago, they won it.
They don't really need extra motivation, but this year they have it. It comes from a football player who can't take the field this year, but everyone knows and respects #99.
Brady Vandenberghe is sick. The 17-year-old takes a lot of medication every day. Brady is fighting leukemia.
"When you first start out, you do your chemo," he said.
Two more rounds of chemotherapy to go. It means living in a hospital room for a long time.
"This one hopefully will be right around the 25 days and then we'll a break, a week home," he continued.
Brady is an athlete. He played football for Eden Prairie High School.
"I was playing D-tackle there. Here we're running 40-yard dash," Brady said, pointing to photographs.
He used to weigh almost 210 pounds. Cancer and its treatment took 35. Instead of Brady supporting his teammates on the field, his teammates are supporting him. His room is full of signs that Brady is not alone. His team and friends keep him going.
"I'm grateful that I have them and that I love them being there and the support that they've shown me," Brady said.
Maybe it's his great attitude that led to a nomination on this year's homecoming court.
"This will make me a better person, I guess. That's the way I see it," Brady explained.
Brady normally wouldn't have left the hospital to attend coronation. His body's defenses are down and the chances of catching a bug at a crowded high school are much greater than just sitting in his room, but his doctor said it's worth the risk because of the emotional benefit of seeing his friends.
Brady cleaned up well. He waited backstage, resting against the table to save some strength and energy.
"Next up we have Morgan Van Riper Rose being escorted by one of the toughest kids I know, Brady VandenBerghe," said the student emceeing the event.
The court was on the stage. He was crowned the king.
"That was awesome. Just an awesome feeling. Lots of love. I loved it," Brady said.
"Unbelievable, I couldn't be prouder right now, of this school and for Brady," said Brady's father.
"I couldn't even look at him I was crying so hard, I'm just really happy," said his mother.
Brady could come home by December if all goes well. Eden Prairie is planning to retire #99. He'll be attending North Dakota State University next year as a business major.
He said he's grateful for everything and he'll be at Friday night's game if he's feeling up to it.
