A Spring Valley High School senior is inspiring classmates in the midst of battling cancer. Eric Jolley, 17, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in November.
The school community dedicated two basketball games to the teen Friday night. It was the first time Jolley cheered with his squad since the diagnosis.
"I love how it makes me feel,” said Jolly, “I feel really strong."
Supporters wore T-shirts emblazoned with Jolley’s nickname "Leukemia Slayer."
Jolley just finished his second round of chemotherapy. Throughout the treatment, close friends made frequent trips to the hospital.
Supporters tell Action News they want to ensure their friend doesn't feel alone in this fight.
"We decorated his IV stand and did everything we could,” said Gabby Lawrence.
Lawrence and Jolley, long-time friends, also cheer on the same squad.
“I feel that this would have definitely been a lot harder on my own,” said Jolley.
By sharing his story, Jolley hopes others will understand cancer better.
“It's the hardest thing that anyone can go through,” said Jolley. “The first thing I thought of when I heard it was that I was going to die."
There is much reason to be hopeful.
After his first round of chemotherapy, the cancer went into remission, said Jolley. He is set to undergo a bone marrow transplant at UCLA in early March.
“Everything can hopefully go well with me having a sibling’s blood that matches mine perfectly,” he said.
The Spring Valley Grizzly turned Leukemia Slayer is inspiring classmates to be strong, fight hard, and cherish every second.
“Eric woke up one day and realized, hey I have Leukemia and this is what I’ve got to do for the next nine months of my life,” said Lawrence.
Lawrence said this has caused her to appreciate life more.
As for Jolley, his strength comes from family, friends, and a deep faith in God.
"I know that he loves me and I thank him every night for preserving my life to this point."
Jolley would like to attend the University of Nevada in Reno to pursue a career in the medical profession.
The family has set up a GoFundMe account for medical expenses.
