“Una Manada” meaning “One Pack” is the motto Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School has been going by as one of their students, Brady Southwick, has been battling his ongoing fight against cancer.
When Southwick was only three years old, he was diagnosed with Rhabdo-Mio Sarcoma, a soft tissue cancer in his jaw. However, after doing chemotherapy and radiation he was able to beat it. Fast forward to the beginning of his second-grade year, the cancer had returned, this time with lesions in his spine and a tumor in his jaw.
Entering second-grade while also starting up another round of chemotherapy, brought its challenges to Southwick, as one could imagine. Having to wear a ball cap to school was one of his worries returning to school. Principal at SSE, Tracy Vik, made sure that this would not be an issue for him.
“We went in and talked to his classmates and they were absolutely fabulous with it. They are second graders, you know they may be young, but they really understood and were so compassionate,” said Vik.
Following his second-grade year, Southwick was able to defeat cancer for the second time and was able to enjoy his summer playing baseball and get back to being a kid. Unfortunately, after some time, he noticed pain in his leg. After getting his leg checked by his doctor, they found that not only had the cancer returned in his jaw but also had come back in his leg, shattering a bone. This would mean Southwick would have to be in a wheelchair moving forward.

SSE PE teacher Heather Conrad has been at the forefront of making sure Southwick feels the love and support of his peers when he comes to school. Despite being in his wheelchair, Conrad has found ways to keep Southwick involved and included in the daily activities. From having Southwick referee and coach to buying him a remote-controled wheelchair for him to participate in the Pacer. It has been really important for not only Southwick but also for the school to keep him involved as much as they can.
As difficult as this journey has been for Southwick and his family, SSE has been finding ways to support them day in and day out. Whether that be selling bracelets and t-shirts, writing letters or simply saying kind words, they hope that this family can feel the love and support coming from them.
SSE prides itself on being a family-like community. They are one. Supporting each and every person who walks into the building has brought them together to make their school like no other. Having each other’s backs during hard times and leaning on each other for support and comfort is something that they are used to. Vik, with the help of her staff, has built this to be exactly what she once had hoped back in 2016 when the school had first opened.
“We’re the wolf pack and when one of the wolves is in trouble, everyone rallies around them,” said Vik.

This story was originally published on The Statesman on November 12, 2024.