BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Johnathan Hetu was a responsible boy.
Moments after learning he had two forms of cancer (ALL and AML
leukemia) and had to go to a hospital in Toronto for treatment,
Johnathan picked up the phone, called Northern Life, and told
the circulation department he wouldn't be able to deliver the
paper anymore more.
Last week, St. Charles Catholic School held its first annual
Johnathan Hetu Walk for Cancer to raise funds for Northern
Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (NOFCC) and celebrate
the life of Johnathan.
The school raised $5,400 and named the first winner of the
annual Johnathan Hetu Award.
Grade 7 student Alex Predon won the award, which goes to a
student who best exemplifies Hetu's spirit and has tremendous
success in athletics and academics at the school.
Johnathan was only 11 when he was diagnosed with cancer. He
fought the disease for two years, but lost his life on Sept.
20, 2004.
His mother, Cindy Hetu, was amazed by the compassion and
spirit shown by the entire school.
"Being in the gym, I have never felt so much warmth from a
group of people," said Hetu, who presented Predon with the
award. "I choked back tears. Johnathan always felt loved and
wanted at the school. The award means so much to me and my
family."
Predon had no idea he would be the first winner, but knew
something was up when he marched into the gymnasium after the
walk.
"I came into the gym and my mom and dad were both there with
the camera," he recalled. "They said they just came to watch
the walk...I thought it was a bit weird."
Upon winning, Predon knew he had a special award in his
hands.
"It's a really important award to win and it felt great,"
said Predon.
Predon is an active member of the school's basketball,
volleyball, soccer and track and field teams. He also plays
hockey. He keeps an academic average of between 80 and 90.
"The award is given to a student who has a good attitude
towards school, teachers and fellow students," said teacher
Dave Nicholls. "Alex is very deserving. He has great character
and did well in sports too."
Predon was amazed at how the school came together to gather
$5,400 in pledges to honour his former classmate and teammate.
"It's just incredible," said the Azilda resident. "I knew
Johnathan well...He was quiet and very nice. He was a good
athlete and an inspiration to us."
The school had hoped to raise $1,000, but that figure was
surpassed easily due to the determination of the St. Charles
community.
"It was unbelievable to see $5,400 raised," said Nicholls.
"It speaks volumes about the kids, teachers...everyone here.
One class had a bake sale and raised $110."
Nicholls also remembers Johnathan fondly and hopes the
students learned a valuable lesson.
"Johnathan had a positive attitude, even before he got cancer," said the teacher. "He really loved sports and was a good athlete. Cancer doesn't discriminate, not even by age. This was an opportunity for the kids to see how fortunate they really are."
