Remi Floro waves a gold pom during Gold Out for Childhood Cancer Awareness night at True Lay Stadium on Sept. 25. (Photo by Kristi Hittepole)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – Payton Herevia said that one of the unseen traumas of childhood cancer is the isolation. Keeping her son, four-year-old Remi Floro, safe while he fights T-cell leukemia means keeping him away from the world most of the time. They often don’t see friends and limit time with family, creating a lonely life for both of them. But on Sept. 25, Remi was surrounded by supporters as Port Clinton High School hosted Gold Out for Childhood Cancer Awareness during its football game against Huron.

Not only did Remi attend the game, but he was also honorary captain for the evening.

It was a rare and fun evening out for Remi, and for his mom, it was an overwhelming experience that showed her she is not alone.

“This is amazing. This means everything to us,” Herevia said as she stood on the field, waiting for Remi to join the team captains for the coin toss. “Having everybody be loved all in one place, after being in isolation and quarantine for so long, is everything.”

The stands were filled with fans wearing gold cancer awareness t-shirts that were sold to raise funds for Blood Cancer United. A representative from Blood Cancer United attended the game, and Remi presented him with a check for $821. Leadership Council did a Dash for Cash to raise more money for Blood Cancer United.

Students decorated their hair and faces with gold sparkles, and they cheered the team with gold poms.

Remi Floro shares a fun moment with his mom during Gold Out for Childhood Cancer Awareness night at True Lay Stadium on Sept. 25. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“Seeing everyone support Remi and show up for him wearing the Remi Strong gear or wearing gold – its everything. Thank you,” Herevia said.

Huron fans joined Port Clinton in celebrating Remi.

“We’re really excited to have Remi here as our honorary captain,” said Port Clinton Schools Superintendent Pat Adkins. “We’re really pleased that the Huron fans are going in with us to recognize him tonight.”

Remi was just two when he was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia, and his last two years have been spent visiting doctors and hospitals. Later this year, he will receive a lifesaving bone marrow transplant at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.

But for one night, Remi and his mom stood under the stadium lights and enjoyed the normal experience of a high school football game and the extraordinary experience of being loved by an entire community. Then, when they got home, their evening got even better. Herevia received news that Remi’s MRD biopsy was negative, meaning a leukemia sample was not detected in his blood.

“It does not mean Remi is cancer free or that treatment is over. He still needs his bone marrow transplant,” Herevia wrote in a Facebook post on the Rooting for Remi page. “But this is the news we have been praying for, and it’s a huge step toward transplant. To get it on the same night he walked onto the football field as honorary captain… I don’t even have words. Tonight, we celebrate our boy. THANK YOU for loving us so well!”

The community can follow Remi’s journey and learn more about current fundraisers at the Rooting for Remi Facebook page.