Six-year-old John Oliver Zippay hasn’t had your typical childhood. Instead of running around and playing with friends at the park – he spent several years going through chemotherapy and dealing with the side effects of his leukemia.
It’s been a rough road for John Oliver and his family (who also goes by J.O.), but their struggles have finally come to an end. The sweet little boy won his battle, and now everyone is celebrating the incredible news.
A video was captured at John Oliver’s school where his teachers, classmates, and loved ones all gathered to honor him. It’s a scene that’s beautifully tugging on heartstrings.
John Oliver attends St. Helen Catholic School in Newbury, Ohio. While he’s always been a great student, unfortunately, he’s missed out on a lot too.
It was on November 1st of 2016 that the Zippays learned the devastating diagnosis. In addition to their son being hospitalized for 18 days, he spent the next few years dealing with the treatments.
Another aspect of John Oliver’s disease kept him from doing normal kid activities like playing tag at recess and participating in gym class. By no surprise, it wasn’t easy to deal with.
John Zippay, the boy’s father, shared with FOX 8 News:
“He had a meta-port in his chest so he wasn’t able to do any physical activity for three years. So it was hard for him, had to sit back for gym class and things.”
Just a couple of days after Christmas in 2019, John Oliver went for his final treatment. His three-year fight is now over and he’s been named the victor.
The amazing news had everyone in the boy’s life wanting to celebrate. A special event was planned at St. Helen Catholic School where John Oliver was honored by fellow students and teachers. His family was also there for the joyous occasion.
It all began with the youngster walking down the hallway where his classmates were all lined up clapping. He was full of smiles listening to the loud applause and seeing the crowd.
Things are going to be different for John Oliver now.
According to the Zippay’s family friend, Shannon Formanski, the boy’s “an old soul” who’s fascinated by planes and WWII. He’ll finally be able to do more traveling now that he’s done with the battle.
A thrilled John Zippay told FOX 8:
“He’s doing great! Yeah, he’s feeling better. A lot of his side effects over the years involved his legs from the steroids and he’s doing great.”
The school celebration also included an assembly where a video was shown, featuring photographs from John Oliver’s journey. He watched from the stands with his loving parents.
Without realizing it, a lot of people take for granted the simple things in life. However, for someone dealing with a sick child – it’s a completely different story.
John Oliver’s mom, Megan Zippay, told the news station:
“You want that for your child, to grow up and get dirty and play outside and have fun and we kept him in a bubble so we’re excited. Looking forward to the future and having our little boy back.”
Watch the video below to see footage of the heartwarming event that took place at John Oliver’s school. Surely the Zippays will enjoy every moment of this beautiful new chapter!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
