Alicia O’Brien Day is a celebration of life
Martino rolls out ‘blue carpet’ for ailing student
By: Susan DeMar Lafferty
Star Newspaper: Sunday, May 14, 2000
It was pouring rain, but it didn’t seem to matter. The crowd cheered as the limousine driver pulled right up the school’s front entrance. Cameras flashed and a regal blue carpet was rolled out. Friends and fans showered their guest of honor with flowers, and trumpets heralded her arrival.
The fanfare was befitting of royalty.
The “queen” for the day at Martino Junior High School in New Lenox was Alicia O’Brien, an eighth grade student, who sat in her wheelchair, stunned and crying. Many other faces were wet, also, and it wasn’t because of the rain.
This day, proclaimed by New Lenox Mayor Mike Smith and Student Mayor Ashley Garland as Alicia O’Brien Day, was to celebrate life with the 14-year-old who has been battling brain cancer.
The mayoral proclamation citied O’Brien as a “truly courageous and wonderful young lady who has met all of life’s challenges head on.”
State Rep. Renee Kosel, R-New Lenox, was on hand to congratulate her.
”Oh my God!” O’Brien exclaimed again and again.
The special day was a total surprise to her, said her mother, April O’Brien, who managed to keep it all a secret. Even when the limo picked her up at home, no one told her where she was going.
“I woke up this morning thinking it was a normal school day,” she said. “My mom told me to dress up, because I was having my picture taken after school. I thought that was kind of odd.”
“I think you are almost speechless,” Principal Del Bitter joked with the typically talkative student.
Clutching a damp tissue, O’Brien did find words for her friends who gathered nearby in the entrance hall.
“Thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” she said.
“You have all been there for me. The reason I got through this was because of all you guys. You have given me a chance. I got to be part of your life. God bless you all.”
But this was just the beginning of a day full of special events, Bitter told her.
Children’s author Cherie Bennett, who consulted O’Brien while writing the book, “Zink,” had flown in from Los Angeles for the day and spend the afternoon talking to Martino students.
“She’s says I’m her guardian angel,” said Bennett. “But she’s mine.”
After school, there was a “Zink” video presentation, book signing by Bennett and O’Brien, readings of O’Brien’s poetry and karaoke.
Sutdents also raffled tickets to a Britney Spears concert to raise funds to create a poetry corner in the Martino library in O’Brien’s honor.
A large white piece of paper hung in the hallway, inviting students to write their own personal messages to O’Brien.
“You have influenced me in a great way,” wrote one girl. “You are my idol. I will never forget you. You are the coolest friend I have. We all appreciate your constant happiness. You can always put a smile on our faces.”
“I remember how we talked all day in reading class in fifth grade” scribbled another.
“You are the most courageous kid I know. Never give up.”
One another student summed up the feelings of many. “I really don’t know you, but I wish you all the best through all your triumphs and tribulations. You’re a very strong person.”
In one of her poems, O’Brien expressed her sentiments.
Thank you all for being there
For showing me how much you care
The strength I get is from your love
The faith comes from the Lord above.
Even though I’m not there yet
I’ll make it through you can bet
Knowing that you’re by my side
Is one thing that keeps me alive
Throughout this fight we will go on
Because our hearts are so strong
Down this path I will go
And I know you’re there
Thank you so..
Susan DeMar Lafferty may be reached at (708)802-8806.
