The Hamilton Township School District and local community rallied together June 12 to support a George L. Hess Educational Complex third-grade student as he continues his battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The fundraiser generated more than $3,000 to help cover medical expenses and day-to-day costs for Javier, whose family suggested a T-shirt campaign as a way to bring the community together during his treatment.
Javier’s teachers, Megan Black-Willman and Iliese Wagner, have worked closely with the family since learning that his cancer had returned.
“Wagner and I have been working closely with the family to connect them to resources within our community ever since we learned Javier’s illness had returned,” Black-Willman said. “We wanted to find a meaningful way to support the family emotionally while also helping ease some of the financial burdens they are facing.”
The effort began shortly after staff learned of Javier’s diagnosis. Teachers assembled gift baskets filled with activities and comfort items for hospital stays, while staff members collected donations to help meet the family’s immediate needs. Cafeteria employees created an additional gift basket, and the school’s CarBridge program provided financial assistance.
Spanish teacher Stephania Martinez helped establish a GoFundMe page to assist with treatment-related expenses and to help overcome language barriers.
Recognizing the need for ongoing support, Black-Willman and Wagner began exploring additional fundraising opportunities.
“That’s when the T-shirt idea came about,” Black-Willman said. “Wagner set it in motion, and I ran with it. Together, we worked to get it designed, delivered and distributed.”
The fundraiser quickly gained momentum throughout the school and surrounding community. More than 380 shirts were sold, with many families and staff members making additional donations. All proceeds were directed to Javier’s family.
Local business Galaxy Tees helped make the campaign possible by designing and producing the shirts on a tight timeline. The company also created a custom shirt for Javier at no cost and donated additional shirts to support the effort.
On the day of the fundraiser, students and staff proudly wore their shirts throughout the school. Many gathered for group photos and recorded video messages for Javier and his family. Additional photos were shared through a community Google album, while the school’s resource officer arranged for drone footage to capture the gathering from above.
Javier’s cancer journey began while he was living in Florida. During second grade, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and underwent treatment through Nemours Children’s Health. After moving to New Jersey, he completed his second-grade year at Hess despite missing significant classroom time due to treatment.
Black-Willman and Wagner both taught Javier during third grade before learning he would face a second battle with the disease this spring.
Throughout his treatment, teachers have continued providing virtual instruction to help him remain connected to his education while his immune system is compromised.
The diagnosis has deeply affected Javier’s classmates.
“Many have shed tears and worry for him,” Black-Willman said.
To help students express their support, guidance counselor Madison McClain established a collection box where classmates could leave cards, drawings and encouraging notes. Students contributed artwork featuring Javier’s favorite characters along with messages urging him to stay strong.
His classmates continue to think about him daily and include him in conversations about school activities and end-of-year celebrations.
Support for Javier has extended well beyond his classroom. Teachers, counselors, cafeteria workers, families and community organizations have all stepped forward to help. Local food pantries responded when contacted, and many school employees donated directly to the family’s fundraising efforts.
For Black-Willman, the outpouring of support reflects the culture of the Hess school community.
At a recent retirement dinner, she recalled hearing a longtime educator describe the school as a family rather than simply a workplace.
“We stand up for each other, we support each other, we love and care for each other,” Black-Willman said. “The Hess school is unlike any other. We are not just a school. We are a family.”
While the fundraiser has ended, Javier’s journey continues. His family still faces months of treatments and surgeries ahead.
School officials hope the community’s response serves as a reminder that no family faces life’s most difficult challenges alone and that an entire community stands beside Javier every step of the way.
