Sparrow Club

Dear St. Monica School Families,
I am writing to let you know the sad news about the death of our former sparrow child, Henry Xu. He died last Friday, December 3rd after losing his battle with abdominal cancer. He was ten years old.

Today we shared the news with our students and then gathered in the Church to pray the rosary together as a school community. The students also made cards for his family.

We have encouraged the children to talk about their feelings regarding Henry’s death with their parents, teachers, or other trusted adult. It is understandable that this loss will have an impact.

Henry touched us all with his big smile, clever wit, and open heart. It was our honor to be part of this little boy’s journey for the past year and Henry loved his time spent at our school. Our students made a difference in his life by welcoming him into their hearts and classrooms when he was able to visit. They lightened the load for his family through prayer, cards, friendship, fundraising, and simply caring. In return they learned a little bit more about the meaning of compassion. This is what Sparrow Club is all about and we are very proud of our students for the love and kindness they gave to Henry!

A prayer written last week by Henry:

Plan For Today

Henry is living a happy life
Looking up at the big blue sky.
The sky has birds that fly around
As he dreams of things he’d like to try.

Thank you for your support and please keep Henry’s family in your prayers.

God bless,

Pam Dellino, Principal

School Information 2009:
Our Sparrow for the 2009-2010 school year was 9 year old Henry (Yuanhan). Diagnosed in January with a cancerous abdominal tumor. His Mother's name is Lihua. The family is from China currently staying at Ronald McDonald House - looking for housing in the Children's Hospital/UW area.

Story:           Lihua and Henry came to Seattle from China  in August 2008. Mom is a visiting scholar at the University of Washington on an educational visa. Both Lihua and Henry speak English.   In January 2009 Henry was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his abdomen. He has been receiving chemotherapy and surgery and many weeks of radiation at Children’s Hospital in Seattle. They will eventually need to move out of RMH where they have assistance and find a place to live near Children's as well. They will need some furniture and basic household items. They are greatly appreciative of any help they get.