A student and a survivor: Super kid, Bois Friday

Published 8:07 pm Friday, March 27, 2009

Dealing with cancer: In September, Bois Friday was diagnosed with large B-cell lymphoma. He’s been undergoing chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital in Seattle ever since. Until last month, he was too sick to go to class. “It’s weird. I’m used to coming to school every day and seeing all my friends. Now that I couldn’t, it was an experience for me that I’ll never forget.”

Strong medicine: Friday often spends five days a week connected to IVs and undergoing chemotherapy at the hospital. “In the beginning, my body just couldn’t take it, but now my body’s gotten used to it.”

Balancing books: Friday tries to do some schoolwork at the hospital, but chemotherapy makes it difficult for him to get through an entire assignment in one sitting. He goes to class when he can, and leaves early if he feels sick. He plans to walk with his classmates at graduation in June and earn his diploma once he finishes his credits.

Drafting pro: There are five classes Friday needs to finish to earn his diploma: math, English, science, drafting and health. Drafting is his favorite. “I’m really close and cool with my teacher, Mr. (Tim) Stensland, and he’s helped me with a lot. You know how kids fall behind in class? He’s given me the assignments ahead of time just in case I’m not going to be there.”

College plan: Once he finishes high school, Friday plans to study drafting in college. He wants to go to Central Washington University in Ellensburg eventually, but may start at Shoreline Community College. He enjoys designing buildings and then creating 3-D models with cardboard.

Life lessons: Having cancer has helped Friday understand the importance of making the most of life. He’s learned not to take anything for granted. His advice for other kids with cancer: “Don’t give up. You have lots of support. At first I didn’t think I could (get through), but then I had all the support from my family, friends at school and my teachers.”

African roots: Friday’s father, also named Bois Friday, is from Ghana. His mother, Louisa Friday, is from Kenya. They moved to the U.S. 23 years ago.* Friday visited Kenya when he was 6 and doesn’t remember much. “I’m interested in it, but I’m not really used to it. I talk to some of my mom’s sisters and brothers, but that’s about it.”

Big family: Friday is the youngest of eight children. He has three brothers and four sisters. The oldest is 38. He has two siblings in California, two in Kenya and three in Washington state. “I’m the baby. I used to get — not punked or anything — but I used to get picked on. But now I’m taller than them so it evens out.”

Switching allegiance: As a freshman and sophomore, Friday went to Edmonds-Woodway. During his junior year, he attended Meadowdale High School because he lived with an aunt while his dad was visiting family in Ghana. His senior year, when his dad returned to Edmonds, Friday returned to Edmonds-Woodway. He has friends at both schools and likes different things about each.

Playing ball: Friday shoots hoops in recreational basketball leagues and played defensive end for the Meadowdale High School football team last year. He wanted to play football as a senior, but cancer prevented him from trying.

Down time: In his free time, Friday watches sports on TV. He was rooting for the University of Washington basketball team, but is now pulling for the University of Connecticut. He also enjoys music that relaxes him, mostly rap. His favorite artist is Lil Wayne.

Know a super kid? E-mail schoolfyi@heraldnet.com.