Community Comes To Aid Of Nonnewaug High Senior Athlete After Cancer Diagnosis

WOODBURY, CT — The community is rallying to help a Nonnewaug High School senior and athlete who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.

Mykal Kuslis, principal at Nonnewaug High, said the student, Jonathan Cheung, is a “true fighter, a friend to everyone, a funny kid and a great teammate.”

A collection is underway to help the family as Cheung gets treatment.

The school district is partnering with the football booster club for the effort, as Cheung is on the local Chiefs football team.

“We have partnered with the football team to use their Venmo to support (the family) monetarily,” Kuslis said.

Cheung’s mother plans to stay with him while he is in the hospital, which is expected to be for more than a month. His father will be caring for his siblings at home while traveling back and forth to the hospital, according to Kuslis.

Donations will be used to give the family cash, gas cards, restaurant cards, or whatever they may need.

There will be a poster with a QR Code at the next game and a collection bucket at concessions.

All contributions are welcome, and physical donations and cards can be dropped off at the high school’s main office. To send a donation via Venmo, put a note "Cheung,” to ensure it is earmarked for the family. The football Venmo is @Chiefsfootball25.

The school community is being asked to wear orange on Thursday, Dec. 11 and consider making a $1 donation. Bracelets are also on sale for $1 each. School administrators plan to take a picture in the gymnasium to send to Cheung, who is being treated at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford.

Cheung can’t have visitors during his treatment, as chemotherapy will impact his immune system. However, his family is encouraging people to send texts, cards and emails to boost his spirits, according to Kuslis.