Fish Streamers In Towson Send Strength To Boy Battling Leukemia

TOWSON, MD — A 10-year-old Towson resident has inspired his neighbors to adorn their community with fish. Windsocks called koinobori began to appear around Knollwood in recent weeks to greet Andrew Mercier, a boy who lives in the community and reportedly returned home this week after being hospitalized following a leukemia diagnosis.

Koinobori are carp windsocks that are traditionally flown in Japan on May 5 for Children's Day to bring good fortune to children. Carp are known as "strong spirited fish" that are "revered for their determination in fighting as they swim upstream and through powerful waterfalls," according to the Japan Society, a nonprofit dedicated to educating people about Japan.

"Fighting upstream, that's what our little boy is doing," Mercier's father told Fox 45 about his 10-year-old son, who was diagnosed with leukemia around Easter and recently came home after battling sickness in the hospital.

About two weeks ago, Knollwood Association President David Riley reported that the board hung a dozen koinobori around the community, with plans to put up more.

The streamers are on display "in a show of community support for Andrew Mercier, our young rockstar battling leukemia," Riley posted on the Knollwood Association's Facebook page. "Let’s unite as a neighborhood in a show of solidarity for Andrew with this timeless symbol of communal hope that Knollwood’s children will remain strong, healthy, and resilient."

He encouraged others to put up a carp streamer in the boy's honor.

The initiative has spread beyond Knollwood.

Andrew Mercier's Cub Scout troop got bracelets that said "Team Andrew," his classmates at Stoneleigh Elementary School made a sign for him and Triple Crown Tattoo in Towson designed a carp drawing that children could color and send to the boy, The Baltimore Sun reported.

Those who would like to send notes of encouragement may do so at this address: Andrew Mercier, P.O. Box 20209, Towson, MD 21284.