Riley kid Tarrence-James Tanner Darnell Graduates High School with Help of the Riley School Program

The Riley School Program helps hospitalized children keep learning and stay on track academically while they’re receiving care. Thanks to donor support, Riley kids like Tarrence-James Tanner Darnell have an advocate committed to serving their educational needs all across the state.

In early 2022, midway through his eighth-grade year, Tarrence was diagnosed with cancer after struggling with pain in his leg that wouldn’t go away. Over the next four years, he would spend a combined six months inpatient at Riley Hospital for Children for two different cancer diagnoses. With the help of the Riley School Program, Tarrence graduated this past June from Lawrence North High School.

“Graduating feels like a miracle,” said Tarrence. “Out of eight high school semesters, I only spent about three attending school in person. The Riley School Program helped me continue my education when traditional school wasn’t an option.”

Donor-supported programs, like the Riley School Program, help provide structure and the opportunity for Riley kids like Tarrence to continue their education during treatment. The Riley School Program includes coordinating assignments with the child’s school teacher, providing 1:1 or small group tutoring, and helping provide schools with any need documentation for educational plans.

“If someone with my circumstances could graduate, that’s a testament to how valuable and effective the program truly is,” said Tarrence.

The Riley School Program is a “true blessing,” according to Tarrence’s mother Sharita Tanner, who says Stacy Willett, Riley’s school program educational liaison, was instrumental in helping Tarrence and his family throughout that time.

“I honestly don’t think I would have had the mental capacity to guide Tarrence through both middle school and high school without Stacy advocating very hard for him,” said Sharita. “It was an uphill battle at times, especially navigating paperwork between Riley, the school, and the district. Despite the challenges along the way, seeing Tarrence walk across that stage was an unforgettable and deeply meaningful moment.”

Sharita and Tarrence say the entire Riley care team means so much to them, including Pediatric Oncologist Jenny Belsky, MD, the 5W inpatient team, the outpatient and infusion teams, and James Shepard, a night-shift nurse who connected with Tarrence through art.

“They treated me like a person, not just a patient,” said Tarrence. “They understand the fear, frustration, exhaustion, and uncertainty that come with cancer, yet they continue showing up every day ready to help.”

Tarrence describes his graduation as proof that not only did he survive, but he kept going. He was glad to celebrate this moment with people across Riley.

“There were times when I wasn’t sure what the future would look like, so reaching graduation is something I don’t take for granted,” Tarrence said. “No matter what comes next, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and thankful for everyone who helped get me here.”

Learn more about how you can help Riley kids like Tarrence keep learning.