“I have acute lymphoblastic leukemia”, Josey said.
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Instead of battling opponents on the gridiron, the star football and basketball player is undergoing chemotherapy treatments at Hershey Medical Center. “It may be hard at a few points but just think to yourself that you can get through it and it will be over in the future”, Josey says.
“The doctors are literally keeping me alive right now”.
With homecoming approaching, Josey wanted to make a splash. He wanted to make the date special, so he reached out to Miss New Jersey, Lindsey Giannini.
Lindsey Giannini said she couldn’t turn him down. He was a two-sport athlete for Northeastern High School in York County until this past April when he was diagnosed with leukemia. “So they play a huge part”. She was so touched by his story and his bravery, that she accepted his invitation, sparking a few jealousy from his classmates.
“I feel great right now”, the senior at Northeastern High School said. Josey described his Saturday night as freaky which included certain events like the limousine ride, the motorcycle escort and dance after dance with Miss New Jersey, his date for homecoming. But their work the next day, visiting patients at Hershey Med and giving out chemo care packages, may make a bigger impression.
Giannini added, “Everyone should be jealous of me”.
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At first, Josey really didn’t want to go to homecoming.
