By Deborah Hilcove
Once upon a time, a young man planned his future. It was summertime and he anticipated his senior year of high school, filled with football, prom, volleyball, classwork and graduation. In May, he’d wear the orange gown of a Tempe Corona del Sol graduate, then enter Arizona State University, studying Fire Science, working toward becoming a firefighter and—with his characteristic hard work and determination— advancing to the rank of captain. He already played football and varsity volleyball. But he wanted to take up archery, and as often happens to a novice, bruised his forearm. The bruise faded, but Ridge Vanderbur could not straighten his arm and the pain would not go away. A doctor’s visit showed two blood clots. Laboratory tests confirmed acute myeloid leukemia, a highly aggressive cancer of the bloodstream. Suddenly Ridge and his family entered the world of catheters and thermometers, of doctors and nurses, of chemotherapy and laboratory tests. He spent the next seven months at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, battling the cancer that had no invaded his body and as the weeks wore on, spending his 18th birthday in the hospital. Like a battle, there were good days and not so good days. Ridge and his family found themselves on a roller coaster of improvement, then setbacks, followed by more improvement. They kept fighting. Just recently, Ridge hoped to go home. However, strokes and heart damage intervened, requiring his transfer to Mayo Clinic where he could receive advanced cardiology care.
supporters headed off for a fund-raising trek to South Mountain hiking trails. [Billy Hardiman/Wrangler News]
The community and the high school—the students and faculty—they’ve all come together, done so much. It’s a difficult situation, but you see so much good.” She continues, “The family is dealing with a sensitive issue. They’re overwhelmed by the support. They’re asking help now in raising money for organizations that benefit children with cancer.” Firefighters at Station Five, near Phoenix Children’s Hospital, visited Ridge whenever possible. A friend gave him a fireman’s helmet, a reminder of his dream, and firefighters from around the state have donated t-shirts bearing their station numbers that now have been fashioned into a quilt. Corona students have rallied around their friend, posting encouragement on Facebook, Instagram and Flipboard, using Twitter to share Ridge’s progress. They wore “Ridge” t-shirts for football games and staged a “White-Out.” Trying to ease his seven-month ordeal, they decorated his hospital room with posters, cards and photos. Together with faculty and parents, they have held fundraises—car washes, a dunking booth at the carnival, a golf tournament. Katelyn Stys, a neighbor and CdS student, helped organize t-shirt sales. The boys volleyball team sold wristbands. Sports teams have designed t-shirts with a “Ridge” logo.
Ridge Vanderbur. Overall, more than $11,000 has been generated to help with medical bills. [Billy Hardiman/Wrangler News]
I am working on a scrapbook for my nephew. He is one of the coaches at Corona del Sol.
Would you scan your archives for any information on Michael Yarbrough? He played for Corona and graduated in 2004
I have a few pictures from the school’s Facebook page, and a few his; mom had saved from his years at Corona.
Thanks so much.