Mt. Carmel Prays for PE Teacher Diagnosed with Leukemia

For the next few weeks, will feel the absence of the school’s PE teacher as he fights Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). The entire school prayed for his speedy recovery during Tuesday’s morning prayer.

Eugene Borja is receiving treatment at for the cancer, which affects the white blood cells that fight infections. It is mainly found in children, but can afflict adults too. The cancer was caught in its early stages and the doctors and family are very positive for a good prognosis, according to Mount Carmel Principal Teresa Anthony.

 “In conversations with the Borja family, both Eugene and his wife Emily are strong, have wonderful family support and have a very positive outlook,” Anthony wrote in a newsletter to the Mount Carmel community. “But, for now, please pray for all of them.”

A Mount Carmel alumnus has set up a donation page to help Borja and his family.

"It really hit close to home being that my brother is an ALL survivor," said Nicole DeBalko, who is also a Patch employee.

PE will continue for the remainder of the year through a familiar substitute from Rhythm and Moves, a third party physical education company. 

The students will be making cards for Borja, and Anthony welcomes any notes or cards to be sent to him while he is in the hospital.

“So with thousands of prayers, positive thoughts and good energy vibes… and with the doctor's referring to this particular type of leukemia as 'curable,’” Anthony wrote, “we will see Eugene on campus once again.”

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