What would make twenty-some people walk all night in the pouring rain?  Their admiration of a spirited leukemia survivor whose strength and courage are an inspiration to all whose lives he touches; that’s what.

Diagnosed at age three, Daniel Holliday, who is a sophomore in the mentally handicapped class at Tecumseh High School, has been fighting a battle with cancer for  two-thirds of his eighteen years of life, but has been in remission since April of 2004.  According to his father, David, Daniel’s prognosis is excellent, and his leukemia appears to be a “thing of the past.”   But until all cancers are wiped out, Daniel and his supporters will continue their efforts to raise money for research.

Last year, classroom aide Jennifer Lewis had the idea to form a team for the Relay for Life in honor of Daniel.  Because Daniel’s favorite movie is “The Lion King” and Mufasa is his favorite character, it was decided to name the team “Team Mufasa,”  with each team member wearing a t-shirt bearing the lion’s likeness.

“Last year we raised $1,000 for the American Cancer Society,”  said Lewis’ fellow classroom aide, Angel Pennington,  “and this year our goal is $5,000.”  With $4,200 raised prior to the relay, their goal was easily in reach, despite the torrential downpour.

“We’ve had too many donations to list,”  Pennington added.  “Money has come in from as far away as Alaska, St. Louis, and Virginia Beach.  We want to thank everyone who has donated in honor of Daniel.”

When he is not raising money for cancer research, Daniel loves to play tennis on his Gameboy and Wii, as well as go camping and boating.  He also enjoys being in the youth group at First Baptist Church and singing in the choir there and in the school choir.  He’s even been known to do a karaoke number from time to time.  As a student worker, Daniel does light janitorial work at Tecumseh Middle School and at a church in Donnelsville.  But no matter what he does, Daniel does it with a glowing smile and an upbeat attitude.

It’s that brave optimism in the face of his illness and other challenges that endears Daniel to those who come to know him.  When asked where he was, Daniel announced enthusiastically, “Relay for Life!”   He exhibited that same enthusiasm moments later when he declared himself to be a “survivor!”   A few raindrops were not about to dampen his spirit or sideline him from taking his laps for the cause.  Daniel couldn’t say for sure how many laps he would do, but he promised to keep going until he couldn’t go any further.  That having been said, Team Mufasa took to the track as the rain beat down upon them relentlessly, with the bright smile of Daniel Holliday lighting the way.