Teacher Noticed Something 'Off' With Student And Shows Up At His House When He Missed Class

Teachers have dozens of behaviors and concerns to watch for in the classroom these days, but few expect to discover that they have a student with cancer. 

Barb Heim teaches at Conneaut Valley Elementary in Conneautville, Pennsylvania, and she noticed that something wasn’t right with her first-grade student, Harrison Conner. Back in the fall of 2019, Harrison just didn’t seem himself.

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Barb observed that he lacked energy and turned pale during recess, so she reached out to CVE’s school nurse. The two of them contacted Suzanne Conner just before the holidays with their concerns regarding her son.  

Over the winter break, a helicopter took Harrison to a Pittsburgh hospital. And when returning to school in January, Barb learned doctors had diagnosed her student, Harrison, with Leukemia -- a form of cancer. 

Teacher Makes Sure Student With Cancer Isn't Left Behind

When the pandemic hit and students began attending school remotely, Harrison Conner did his best to stay on track. But, when CVE returned to in-person learning months later, Barb volunteered to meet with Harrison every day at his home.

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"It was a joy, because I knew he wanted to learn," Barb said. "He couldn't wait. He was so excited."

The devoted teacher drove 20 minutes each way in order to connect with Harrison, masks and other safety measures in place, and ensure the student with cancer was able to keep up with his schoolwork while also working to get well.

"It goes far beyond her just coming here for school," Harrison's mother, Suzanne, told TODAY. "Ever since the minute he was diagnosed ... she has been absolutely amazing. She has kept Harrison such a part of the kids' lives in school and making sure that he feels remembered."

"It's not like a teacher is coming from school to teach, she's like an aunt who is coming over to hang out, and she brings goodies, and she is always bringing a smile. My kids will meet her at the front door with all the latest news and it's incredibly, incredibly, special."

Conneaut Valley Elementary is the home of The Eagles. It’s the home of Harrison Conner, who is doing well now in second grade thanks to the efforts of his teacher and his school. And, it’s the home of veteran teacher, Barb Heim, who is still giving students her best every day after 35 years of service. 

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We think Conneaut Valley Elementary has serious bragging rights—they’ve got a couple of heroes in Eagles Harrison and Barb! 

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11

WATCH: Devoted Teacher Visits Student With Cancer Every Day

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h/t: Sunny Skyz

Featured Image Credit: Daily Motion

Hally is a freelance writer, blogger, and mental health advocate. A former school counselor, Hally works for a nonprofit that distributes tax dollars to mental health and prevention education providers that serve her county's kids and families. She's a contributor to a devotional and two essay collectives, and she shares resources and wisdom regarding parenting teens, mental health, faith, adoption, and more at http://www.hallyjwells.com where she strives to "Dig Deep and Reach High." She and her husband have three adult children and one rascally beagle pup. Hally loves travel, her book club sisters, personality tests, and a great glass of iced tea.