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Brain Tumor Awareness

Channing Hall Students Raise Money for Tomas Hollenbach, 8

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Tomas Hollenbach, an 8-year-old student at Channing Hall charter school in Draper, was diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this year. The tumor, technically a brain-stem glioma, is inoperable, but Hollenbach is using the experience to support other children facing the same thing. Channing Hall is having a yard sale, barbecue and raffle May 22 to support brain-tumor awareness and the Hollenbach family. The school is asking people to bring gently used toys, books, clothing and furniture to 13515 S. 150 East in Draper on May 21 from 1:30-7 p.m. or to shop at the yard sale May 22 between 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

What have you learned from your illness?
I learned to trust in God. That even though we pass through hard times, we can also have fun and we are never alone. It is not only me that has a brain tumor. There are many kids, too, who need help.

What would you say to other kids going through the same thing?
Jesus loves you; don’t worry, you don’t have to be afraid, because God is with you. If you need a friend, I can be your friend.

What have others done to help you share your experience of having a brain tumor?
They help me with presentations about brain tumors. The kids listen and respect what we are doing about brain tumors. My school helped me a lot. There are people helping with a Website (AKid4Christ.com, still under construction).

How have your friends and classmates helped you?
They give me love, they are nice and kind to me, they do fun things for me—like the school party they had for me last week—and they are selling T-shirts and having the fundraiser.

What is the most important thing someone can do to help?
Pray for me and other kids with tumors and trust in God.