Montville First-Grader Back In School Following 6-Month Cancer Battle

When Harrison Bruchhauser arrived at school on Thursday April 14, he, his twin, Noah, and his older brother, Benjamin, were wearing hats for “Hats ON Day.” What Harrison didn’t know was the secret his brothers had been keeping all week. Not only was “Hats ON Day” in Harrison’s honor, but the entire student body – all 273 kindergarten through fifth grade students, along with all teachers and staff – were waiting for him.

Overcome with excitement, the William Mason family had been preparing all morning for Harrison’s arrival. With hats on their heads, smiles on their lips and tears of joy in their eyes, everyone in the building was lining the hallway with a surprise they had been waiting for six months to bestow.

In the fall of 2015, Harrison and Noah began first grade with teacher Clarissa Shell. For the first time, the twins, would be in the same class. Benjamin was starting third grade.

One month later Harrison was diagnosed with the cancer known as Burkitt Lymphoma.

On April 14, as Harrison entered the building for the first time in six months, the hallway erupted with cheers. Not only was Harrison back but his Lymphoma is in remission.

Students and teachers began to clap. His brothers were clapping. His aunt and cousin, Kristine and Noelle Howar, were clapping. His grandparents, Stan and Marilyn Zagula were clapping. His father, Erik, and his mother, Sandy, were beaming. Erik took pictures and Sandy hugged Harrison and helped him take it all in.

“This is a really great day,” Sandy said as the students and faculty of the William Mason Clap-In for Harrison Bruchhauser invited him to walk up and down the hall clapping everyone’s hand.

Overwhelmed but smiling, Harrison obliged. His journey through the hallways concluded with hugs and welcomes. Harrison presented his class with a huge bowl of lollipops, and everyone went to their classes to begin the first day back at school for Harrison.

“We are thrilled to have him back,” said School Counselor Teresa Gorgia. Who noted that since the day Harrison left school to begin treatments, the William Mason community -- students, staff and parents – developed ongoing ways to support him, as well as his family.

Through the many months, enthusiasm did not wane for projects like “Hugs for Harrison,” where each student decorated a mitten to cheer him up, or The Meal Train, where families made dinners and delivered them each night to Harrison’s home.

“It is amazing,” Harrison’s mother, Sandy, said. “And so appreciated. It is unbelievable.”

“It’s a family here,” added Harrison’s grandfather, Stan Zagula.

“It is,” the entire family agreed.

“It gives me chills,” Sandy concluded.

Gorgia explained that helping a fellow student has united the entire student body.

“Our school feels a lot closer,” she said.

Later, when asked if it was difficult to not tell Harrison about the planned Clap-IN, brother Noah said, “I wanted to see him surprised.”

Harrison said he was surprised.

“I felt happy,” he said.