A special school in Tampa Bay, Florida, had its official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. 1Voice Academy in Hillsborough County is the first accredited K-12 U.S. school for kids with cancer.
Developed by 1Voice Foundation founder Mary Ann Massolio, 1Voice Academy provides 25 different programs, including family support, financial resources, and research opportunities, to help sick children continue their education and experience some normalcy in their lives despite their condition.
Massolio said she had carried this dream to provide and do more for kids with cancer for many years. The day of the ribbon-cutting marked a memorable date as it was the death anniversary of Jay, Massolio's son, who died from cancer more than 25 years ago.
Easy Adjustment to Regular School
Jay was an enthusiastic learner who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Despite wanting to go back to regular school and be with his friends, the child could not thrive in a typical school environment because of his compromised immune system.
The boy's life was cut short at nine years old or six months into his cancer treatment. His mother, however, carried on with his legacy and started the foundation that led to the school.
1Voice Academy's first enrollees were Laurel Harrington, 5, who has been in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and Liam Kirchner, who has the same condition and is currently under maintenance.
Harrington has since transitioned to a partner in regular elementary school, where she is doing well. Her dad said that she loves her new school, and she didn't have a hard time adjusting to the environment because of her experiences at 1Voice Academy. Her dad is also grateful that she was not isolated from her peers and developed healthy social skills with the other kids.
In this special school, children with cancer can attend classes full time without compromising their health. It was an option that her son, who loved school, didn't have several years ago.
"They should at least be able to go to school and be with their peers," Massolio said, per WFLA. "Who better than other children who are on the same journey they are."
Model for Future Schools
Stacy Hahn, who is part of the Hillsborough County school board, said that giving accreditation to 1Voice Academy is likely the "most meaningful thing" she has ever done in her work. She believes that the school will serve as a model for future schools and communities to provide a safer place for vulnerable children with suppressed immunities.
1Voice Academy is a non-profit and relies on community support to continue its operation. The school thrives because of generous sponsorships, volunteers, and donations for many of its supplies and resources.
Recently, the community completed a mural on campus, which the children requested. It was a worthwhile endeavor participated by the students, school staff, parents, and several volunteers.
Related Article: Young Breast Cancer Survivors Share Experiences With Deadly Disease That 'Does Not Discriminate'
