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On March 26, 2011, virtually all the students at Bishop O’Connell High School will be pouring their energy into helping save kids and young adults from a fatal disease.
They will do it in the way that has been a tradition at the Arlington, Virginia, school for more than three decades—by twelve hours of nonstop dancing.
“Superdance” originated with the classes of ’76 and ’77, but its roots go back to February 19, 1955, two years before the high school even existed: the wedding of Harold O’Donnell and Maureen McManus.
Harold, a handsome Marine Corps officer, planned to enter law school; Maureen was beginning a career as a high-school Latin teacher. They dreamed of a large and happy family.
In their thirty-five years together, the couple knew the joy of welcoming seven children into the world. But they also met with uncommon trials. How they responded when life didn’t turn out as they had planned is a story of faith and its far-reaching consequences.
CF Times Four.…
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Not only does God know how to ‘‘turn mourning into dancing’‘, He also knows best how to ‘‘turn death into life’‘.
A beautiful story about choosing life! Thank You!
Dancing for Dear Life: A High School Unites to Fight a Deadly Disease
by Kathryn Elliott is such an inspirational story about the O’Donnell family and their fight against Cystic Fibrosis. Kathryn, your story is so well-written and moving. I have a child with CF, and his name is Henry. He was diagnosed at 8 months, and he is now 13 years old. His brothers attend Bishop Ireton H.S. and we have many friends at Bishop O’Connell. I’m going upstairs right now to make a donation to this amazing event. Good luck with your fundraiser this year! Sincerely, The Chastain Family