Student's Essay Wins Prize for Mom Battling Cancer

A diamond heart pendant may be out of the price range of most fifth-graders, but that's exactly what student Jordan Sprouse gave his mother last week as an early gift. 

Of course, he had some help from his teacher Michelle Boyer and Reeds Jewelers at White Marsh Mall.

Boyer helped coordinate the school's participation in a contest with the jewelry store. About 150 fourth- and fifth-graders submitted essays titled, "Why I Love My Mom."

"[Jordan's] was the only essay that didn't follow the same pattern. It stood out in that he talked about how his mom was a hero," Boyer said.

Last week, Reeds manager Tim Blanton and salesperson Brittney DeFalco awarded Jordan and his mother, Jennifer Sprouse, a diamond heart pendant. All participating students also received silver key chains and goodie bags.

"We were very appreciative to Reeds," Boyer said.

Boyer submitted the above photos and the Sprouse family gave permission for the essay to be reprinted on Patch. The original handwritten essay is available in the media gallery.

Jordan Sprouse

"Why I Love My Mom"

There are so many reasons why I love my mom. My mom has been battling cancer all her life. She had Hodgkin's Disease at age 14 in the last stage. She overcome that cancer only to get breast cancer in 2004. My mom's breast cancer has since gone to her bone and liver. She has to get chemotherapy treatments every week for the rest of her life. On top of her cancer, she works full-time and cares for my two brothers and me. In my eyes, my mom is so brave and she is my hero. She fights every day of her life to be here for us. Even though my mom has cancer, she is still giving and caring and will do everything she can to make sure we have everything we need. I would love to get my mom that necklace. She would love it very much.

Why do you love your mom? Tell us in the comments.