Help Edina Kids Club Staff Harry Sullivan's Cancer Battle

One of Edina Kids Club's most popular staff members, Harry Sullivan, has cancer and needs our support.

Ask any student at Creek Valley Elementary (or his previous school Highlands) about Harry and they will likely tell you a story: About his crazy hair, crazy height, or crazy Friday outfits; about his love of trivia; about his passion for Dungeons and Dragons; about his faith in the goodness of students; about his love of recess; and most recently about his cancer diagnosis.

Harry received his Hodgkin's lymphoma (commonly referred to as Hodgkin's disease) diagnosis in early September 2024, just weeks after the start of the 2024-25 school year. From the very beginning, he chose to be honest with the staff and students about his diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan. Harry knew that students would notice his diminishing vigor (as well as diminishing hairline) as he battled cancer, so he proactively distributed a letter for teachers to share with their students that explained his disease and encouraged all to ask him questions.

Kids are naturally curious and refreshingly blunt. As expected students asked questions about his health, treatments, increased absences, weight loss, and use of a cane. They were surprised and scared, as well as caring and compassionate. Yet, although he was fighting for his life, Harry tried to keep the focus on the kids and their needs, not his.

Care for others over himself (even in his time of need) is classic Harry Sullivan. Now is our opportunity to care for him.

Harry is about midway through is chemotherapy and radiation treatment. He has bravely faced treatment and its debilitating side-effects with grace. Harry remains at home recovering from chemo each week following his is treatment, then comes to serve the students of Creek Valley the following week. He may be weak and his immune system compromised, but his dedication to students is greater than his fear of additional illness.

The reality of a long-term medical condition is overwhelming and expensive, no matter your level of health care coverage. As Harry's medical bills pile up and his bank of paid time off, sick, and vacation days dries up, his need for some extra support has become apparent.

Thank you for considering a gift to help Harry Sullivan. All donations, words of support, and well wishes will be greatly appreciated as he continues his treatments.