WASHINGTON – A Prince William County teenager battling cancer is getting support through a local motorcycle charity ride.
Jared Hill was a Hylton High School senior when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. “It was quite a blow and it changed his life completely. He was not able to attend school with his classmates,” says his grandfather, former Secret Service agent Clint Hill.
Jared’s immune system was compromised during chemotherapy, so he was required to wear a surgical mask in public. In a show of support, his girlfriend Emily Jarrell and other friends decided to also wear surgical masks at their prom. Their picture went viral.
“These people made sure that he recognized they were behind him and he was one of them,” Clint says.
Jared finished treatment, graduated from high school and is looking forward to college this fall. “He’s much, much better,” Clint says. “We’re just hoping for a complete recovery and that everything will be back to normal shortly. I am very proud of him and very proud of his girlfriend, who has really been an inspiration and support for him.”
On Saturday, the Nobody Fights Cancer Alone Poker Run raised money for cancer foundations and to help Jared’s family with his medical expenses. Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer for males between 15 and 34 years old. Information for those who wish to give to Jared’s family or other cancer charities is available through Lisa McCubbin’s On the Details blog.
David Jarrell, Emily’s father, helped organized the charity ride and says Jared’s struggle isn’t over but he’s made great improvements. “While most kids are enjoying the thrills of senior year and moving onto college, Jared had to face this battle and did it extraordinary well and with a great attitude,” he says. “In a sense [today] is sort of a milestone because he is on his way to better health, which is what we’re after.”
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