T.J.Rufty was a senior this past school year. He has been recognized in this school year for his academic achievements and was named “Student of the week” once. Unfortunately at the closing of the year, Rufty was diagnosed with an aggressive type of Burkitt’s lymphoma cancer. He has since then been admitted to John Hopkins Pediatric Oncology in Baltimore, MD.
Friends and family have been supporting Rufty as he fights against cancer. He had a goal to walk across the stage at graduation to accept his diploma, but wasn’t able to walk due to the fact that he had fallen ill with phenomena.
His mom and his brother instead walked across the stage for him. As they walked across the stage everyone including the graduating students stood up to clap and cheer for him.
After everyone was done accepting their diplomas and the teachers were done making speeches, there was a cheer for Rufty. As most people would do at a football game, someone stood up from the graduating seniors, and shouted “T.J.” and the rest of the class shouted “Rufty”.
There are many charities and fundraisers being created in and outside of the school. The Main Cup on Thursday, from 4-8 all the food and drinks that are bought, 20 percent of all proceeds will be going to T.J. Also, Jersey Mike’s Subs in Fredrick is giving 15 percent of all their proceeds to T.J. too.
Middletown high school’s FFA program is organizing the Chick-fil-A in Fredrick fundraiser spirit night for raising money to donate to T.J.
Stacy MacMillan is a part of the special education board. She has started a fundraiser from selling wristbands during the school day. She has sold over 200 wrist bands, and has made over $400. “Most people donated more than what the wrist bands cost.” said Stacy.
Last Friday there was a spaghetti dinner held for Rufty because it was his birthday and around $5000 was raised for him and his family.
“I was shocked and at the same time devastated” said Stacy “But I’m encouraged by his care specialists” referring to John Hopkins Pediatric Oncology in Baltimore, MD.
“I know he’s a fighter, and he’ll make it through this tough time” said Stacy.
