This past October, Dennis Elementary celebrated the return of 3rd grade student Keegan Atkins. Keegan had spent the first six (6) weeks of school at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia receiving treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). On Friday, December 3, Dennis Elementary showed their support for Keegan who will be taking another leave of absence to receive a bone marrow transplant. The staff, teachers, and students were encouraged to wear their gray “Fighter/Keegan Strong” t-shirts and performed a “Clap-Out” for Keegan.
After a successful stay at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Keegan has been enjoying his classes at Dennis Elementary since returning to school on Oct. 12. This was Keegan’s fourth bout with cancer, which includes his time as a student at Clearcreek Elementary. Keegan has battled ALL since 2014, when he was just 21 months old. Beginning next week, Keegan will start radiation treatment and chemotherapy conditioning before the transplant is scheduled to take place. A 6-8 week stay in the hospital is expected with at least one hundred (100) days of close monitoring and immunosuppression.
In addition to prayers, the community is asking to send Christmas cards and well wishes to Keegan and the Atkins’ family to boost everyone’s spirits while Keegan is recovering in the hospital over the holidays. Christmas cards and well wishes can be mailed to Dennis Elementary, ATTN: Brittney Oliver at 1695 S. Main St., Springboro, OH 45066).
While at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, several of Keegan’s classmates sent videos wishing him well and keeping him up to date on what was happening in school. Keegan was also able to virtually join his classmates for lunch, from Philadelphia, while staying in the hospital. A computer was setup at a lunch table in Dennis Elementary for Keegan to see his friends and fellow classmates during lunch time.
“From the start, the support for Keegan has been beyond amazing,” said Ann Atkins, mother of Keegan. “Thank you to everyone who has supported Keegan.”
The first recipient of Clearcreek Elementary’s Positive Panther Award in 2018, Keegan has been continually proving his strength on into 3rd grade at Dennis Elementary. This next journey in Keegan’s recover will be no different.
Terrah Hunter, Principal at Dennis Elementary, said, “We are looking forward to seeing Keegan back in the classroom once again. Keep being strong, Keegan!”