VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — When a Larkspur Middle School student learned his teacher was diagnosed with breast cancer, he decided to surprise her with an act of kindness that he hopes will give her strength and courage in the days ahead.
11-year-old Brycen Dildy and his fellow students gathered in their school auditorium on Valentine’s Day for what their teacher, Jackie Wilson, thought was a citizenship assembly.
But the assembly, orchestrated by Dildy, was really to show her love.
Didly walked to the front of the auditorium, greeting his classmates. “I would like for Mrs. Wilson to come up please,” Dildy said.
Wilson was diagnosed with breast cancer in July and started treatment shortly after.
“We finished chemo. Yay! It was rough, but it was okay. We managed and we got through it,” said Wilson, as she wiped away tears.
With surgeries and radiation still to come, Wilson still has a fight ahead.
That’s why Didly created “Letters of Love” for his teacher and planned the surprise assembly.
“I wanted to collect 365 cards just for you, so that each card will make your day a brighter day,” Didly said to Wilson.
His classmates and teachers got to work writing cards to inspire faith and courage for each day of the year, but Didly outdid himself.
“I collected more than 365,” Didly announced. “I collected 551 cards, so this should last you a year and a half!”
This 11-year-old is making a difference with kindness and wisdom far beyond his years.
“Some people might not remember what you say, but they’ll remember how you made them feel,” said Didly, quoting Maya Angelou.
And on this Valentine’s Day, he made a very brave woman feel invincible.
“This is a battle we’re going to win,” said Wilson with newfound determination.
With her family, including her students by her side, she knows she isn’t fighting this battle alone.
This story is part of a new 10 On Your Side series called “Children of Change,” where we’ll highlight children making positive impacts in their community.
If you know of child making these types of changes, contact 10 On Your Side’s Katie Collett. Here are the ways you can contact her:
