This is What Being Part of a Team is About

BASKETBALL GRADE 7 hoopsters at Macdonald Drive wear their hearts on their jerseys in support of a sick teamate

ROBIN SHORT 

The Telegram 

Since 12-year old Michael Smith was diagnosed with cancer a month ago, he's not only received support from family and friends but from an entire basketball community. Michael is a member of the Macdonald Drive Grade 7 boys' team, a close-knit unit which has accompanied their ill teammate every step of the day. 

For the past couple of months, the St. John's native had been complaining of fatigue, and hadn't been sleeping well. Last month, a small lump was found on his neck. Shortly afterwards, Michael was diagnosed with Hodgkin's 

"Some of the boys knew," said the team's coach, Kevin O'Leary, "because a lot of them are friends. And a lot of the parents know each other."

"Still, it was a shock to the boys to hear it. I know my young fella (Liam) found it hard." 

As a sign of support for his friend, Liam had his head shaved. Others are expecting to get a buzz cut when the fourth annual Real Time Cancer's Shave for the Brave is scheduled.

"It's not only our team," said O'Leary. "A number of other teams have shown gestures of support. 

"Last weekend, we held a tournament at our school. We were playing St. Peter's (of Mount Pearl) in the final an at halftime, the St. Peter's team presented Michael with a big card and gifts. And there have been other teams, like Mount Pearl Intermediate and Beaconsfield, who have given him gifts as a sign of support." 

A couple of weeks ago, a parent one of the Macdonald Drive players, Darlene Mullowney, came up with the idea of designing a patch which the players could wear on their jerseys. The patch is adorned with the Canadian Cancer Society's daffodil, Michaels No. 14 and the words, 'Team up to support Michael.' 

"We collected $5 dollars from each player to pay for the crests, and when we we went to pick them up, Ultragraphics gave them to us for nothing," he said. 

"Its another example of the support Michael's been getting. If there's one thing positive to come out of this it's the support he's receiving has been overwhelming." 

rshort@thetelegram.com