Math Teacher Paul Bosley recently found out that he would have to face a personal battle while continuing to dedicate himself to his students. Known for his early morning arrivals and his ability to teach effectively, Bosley has remained a constant presence in the classroom despite his diagnosis.
A few weeks ago, Bosley received news that he had cancer.
“I had a nodular melanoma on the top of my head. It is a very aggressive type of skin cancer that can metastasize to other parts of the body such as the liver, lungs, and brain. I first noticed a sore on the top of my head last spring, but I thought it was a sunburn. I used some hand cream on the spot, and it stopped peeling and the pain went away. The pain came back in the summer, so I went to the doctor,” said Bosley.
Nevertheless, his commitment to his students has not faltered. He continues to arrive at school before dawn preparing lessons and grading papers, all while undergoing rigorous treatment.
“At first, I was depressed and worried, and my wife, Lori, was distraught. We have had several ups and downs, but mostly good news. We finally realized it was out of our control so we prayed a lot and put this in God’s hands. I am also humbled by the number of family, friends, organizations, and churches that have reached out to me offering prayers, support, and help. The toughest part for me has been seeing the stress and worry that Lori has experienced,” said Bosley.
Bosley’s story has become a source of inspiration within the school community. Students and staff alike admire his strength and dedication, often unaware of the full extent of his struggle.
“I had surgery over Fall Break, and the surgeon said that it was successful. By the time this story is printed, the biopsy of my lymph nodes will have been completed. If the biopsy is negative, I will have immunotherapy infusions every three weeks for one year. If positive, the therapy will be longer than one year,” said Bosley.
As his battle with cancer has become more apparent, the community has rallied around him. Despite the challenges, Bosley remains a pillar of strength and an example of perseverance.
This story was originally published on PHS Media News on November 23, 2024.