BELLAIRE - Joseph DeGenova knows there is no need to wait until Thanksgiving or Christmas to celebrate the blessings in one's life.
The principal of St. John Central Grade School in Bellaire celebrated some of his own personal blessings Friday by carrying his new grandson in an annual Halloween parade at the school - something he wasn't sure he would be able to do a few months ago.
DeGenova, 61, has been plagued with serious health conditions most of his life, suffering from fibromyalgia, a hiatal hernia, high blood pressure and depression, among other disorders.
Article Photos
Photo by Annie Dimmick
St. John Central Grade School Principal Joe DeGenova carries his 4-month-old grandson, Kellan Dimmick, while leading students during the annual Halloween Parade through the streets of Bellaire Friday. This was the first time DeGenova walked in the parade since battling pancreatic cancer last year. Also pictured are students Lindsee Paree, left, and Maclaine Murad. View additional photos at cu.theintelligencer.net
In May 2008, DeGenova was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after an isolated tumor was found during a routine MRI that he undergoes periodically. That July, he underwent the Whipple Procedure at Ohio State University Medical Center, in which portions of his pancreas, large intestine and gallbladder were removed. He remained in the hospital for three months for recovery, during which he developed two blood clots and experienced internal bleeding that caused him to lose nearly all of his blood. Following extensive treatment and transfusions, he was released.
"I just think that if you believe everything is possible, basically that's it," DeGenova said. "You have to have faith."
The road to recovery has been long, as DeGenova is now a diabetic as a result of the procedure and must maintain his blood sugar. During a recent follow-up appointment, he learned from his doctor that he was, in some way, a learning experience for doctors and nurses caring for him, as little was known about follow-treatment for the procedure - he was the first one at the hospital to survive it.
Now DeGenova is cancer-free.
His grandson, Kellan, was born June 28, 2009, almost one year to the day after DeGenova's surgery. Kellan is the first grandchild born to DeGenova and his wife, Mary.
"It makes me feel blessed to go from what I went through in 2008 and then this," he said of taking part in the Halloween observance. "It is just like a miracle.
"There was a reason why I survived. God had a plan, and I was meant to be to share in his life, and I really feel blessed," he added regarding the birth of his grandson.
DeGenova said returning to work at the school and being able to participate in activities with students was important to him because of all the support he received from the school community during his battle with cancer.
"It's the kids that pulled me through it," he said. "I missed them. The doctor told me, technically, I should have taken a year's leave of absence, but I couldn't do that.
I got out of the hospital in September and was back to work in November (2008) ... ," he added. "The doctors said I really progressed well enough."
DeGenova noted one doctor had been somewhat pessimistic about his chances of survival.
"But I said, 'The kids are back there praying for me,' and it was their prayer that pulled me through," he continued. "It was prayer, I know it was. I owe it to those beautiful children."
DeGenova has been principal at the school for 19 years. Counting his years as a teacher, he has been employed there for 39 years.
"Pretty much, it's been my life," he said.
DeGenova pointed out that the school, which offers a Catholic education to students from throughout the area, focuses on celebrating Halloween as a day of fun - not one with a negative connotation.
"I enjoy it with the kids," he said. "It's one of the highlights of the year. It's a fun day. We don't look at evil spirits, we play that down. It's tied to a holy day of obligation, All Saints Day, which is a recognition of all saints and all souls."
Staff Writer Annie Dimmick contributed to this report.