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New law honors Rockridge student's fatal cancer battle
Originally Posted Online: Nov. 04, 2009, 3:10 pm
Last Updated: Nov. 05, 2009, 10:32 am
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Print this story | Email this storyLast Updated: Nov. 05, 2009, 10:32 am
By Nicole Lauer, nlauer@qconline.com
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TAYLOR RIDGE -- There were few dry eyes in the Rockridge High School auditorium Wednesday as Brandon Ballard's family accepted the original bill and pen used by Gov.Pat Quinn to sign a bill turning into reality the dead Taylor Ridge teen's dream of spreading cancer awareness. Mr. Ballard, a Rockridge student-athlete who died Nov. 29, 2008, at age 19 of testicular cancer, saw a need to educate junior and senior high school students on the symptoms of testicular cancer. After his death, his family took up the cause. Working with State Sen. Mike Jacobs and State Rep. Pat Verschoore, the family encouraged the passage and signing of "Brandon's Law," which requires health classes to include a section on cancer education. Topics to be covered include symptoms, risk factors and where to go for help. The law also requires testicular cancer screenings for all young males participating in school athletics. Such a screening possibly would have detected Mr. Ballard's cancer earlier. The disease had been present for two years before he became aware of it, according to Rockridge Principal Katy Hasson. Ms. Hasson told Mr. Ballard's story at the Wednesday assembly, telling students that the senior was unable to play football his senior year, but he played basketball while in and out of treatment. While battling the illness, Mr. Ballard wanted to educate junior and senior high school students on the symptoms of testicular cancer. The 650-plus students at the assembly rose to their feet to honor Brandon's parents, Kristen and Jim Ballard, and his 10-year-old sister, Sarah, as they were recognized for working closely with Sen. Jacobs, D-Rock Island, and Rep. Verschoore, D-Rock Island, on the bill. Rockridge social studies teacher Brandee Tiffany said the bill passed both the House and the Senate with sweeping support. Ms. Tiffany, who became tearful recalling her time with Mr. Ballard, said the bill was signed by Gov. Quinn Aug. 4 and it becomes effective Jan. 1, 2010. Mrs. Ballard said Wednesday's celebration capped off a year of hard work. "It's very exciting to know everything that we've done has paid off," she said. "All the phone calls, all the letters." She said she was touched when the hundreds of students stood and when asked how many of them were touched by Mr. Ballard. "It was overwhelming," she said. "Tears were brought to our eyes to know how many lives he touched." Sen. Jacobs said he hopes the Illinois mandate is expanded into a national law within the next year. View the Brandon Ballard Foundation on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=177389873791 Brandon's First Annual Awareness Run will be held at 10 a.m. Sat. Nov. 21 at Rockridge High School, 14110 134th Ave. W., Taylor Ridge. The two-mile run is a fundraiser with proceeds going toward a scholarship for a senior Rockridge basketball player. The $15 registration fee and entry form can be returned to the Rockridge High School Office. 
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