CHUH Teacher Shares Inspiring Story Of Overcoming Cancer [Video]

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Sean Sullivan was inducted into the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District Alumni Hall of Fame on May 4. The only alumnus to return to his district and become a teacher, Sullivan shared his inspiring story during the induction ceremony — including his harrowing journey overcoming cancer.

After stepping down from coaching boys soccer about a year ago, an arduous decision Sullivan made because of lingering pain signals his body was sending him, he decided to see a doctor. He figured it was stress and anxiety.

It wasn't.

He shuffled through several confused doctors before finding a specialist that identified the problem. It was a rare, slow growing cancer that was difficult to detect at first. When it was finally found, it was in late stages near Sullivan's abdomen. He needed surgery immediately.

The surgery went well. Sullivan survived and continues to thrive.

The doctor that finally diagnosed Sullivan — and saved his life in the process — was a Heights High graduate.

To boot, a year later, Sullivan needed a second surgery. As he was being wheeled into the operating theater, a voice said, "Don't worry Mr. Sullivan, we've got you." It was a student Sullivan had taught in first grade. They were now part of his surgical team.

Sullivan thanked both the doctor and the medical technician, saying they were in his Heights Hall of Fame.

"I don't share this for sympathy. I have a very strong mindset. Ten weeks after that surgery I ran, and completed, the Cleveland half marathon — 13.1 miles — just to show cancer you can't and won't keep me down," he said.

"I got a second chance at life and I'm going to make the most of it," Sullivan said.

Here's Sullivan's bio from the Hall of Fame induction.

Sean Sullivan, Class of 1988 — The Science and Engineer specialist of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District, Sullivan is also founder of the Heights United Soccer Academy and a championship winning soccer coach. He has dedicated his career to his community. He has won a bevy of awards including Person of the Year, Lake Erie League Coach of the Year and been named a Jennings Scholar for Outstanding Ohio Teacher. He is also founder of ACES, Athletes Choosing Excellence in School, a tutoring program for athletes to mentor younger students.

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