MCC sophomore prepares for life battle

BY LYN DOWLING
FOR FLORIDA TODAY

Nov 16, 2004—Melbourne Central Catholic High School and Olympic Development Program goalkeeper Sean Hargreaves was not happy one day last month, when his parents, Eric and Chris, came to pull him out of class.

The last thing the 16-year-old sophomore wanted was to blow a biology test.

"He was afraid that by leaving the test early, he'd get a bad grade and wouldn't be able to make it up," Eric Hargreaves said. "I told him, 'You're leaving to be tested for lymphoma. Forget about the biology test. I think they'll understand.'"

The people at MCC do understand, as do the people at Sean's former school, Melbourne High, as do soccer supporters throughout Brevard County.

They have joined forces to support him in his fight against what eventually was diagnosed as T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

"About three weeks ago, he had a swollen lymph node, so we took him to the doctor, who thought it was an (ordinary) infection," said Eric, a firefighter-paramedic for the City of Melbourne. "He was put on an antibiotic, but during the course of the antibiotic treatment, he developed six more swollen lymph nodes.

"We talked to (former MCC soccer team physician) Dr. Mario Oliveira and he made some calls for us, so we took Sean for a biopsy on the following Monday with Dr. Cliff Thompson. The results came back on Wednesday that he had lymphoma."

Told that Sean's condition could not be treated here, his physicians suggested a teaching hospital, and for illnesses like his, one of the best is the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

That was a good suggestion for the Hargreaveses, who have family members in the Boston area, including some in health care.

Now Sean's physicians include the man who designed the protocol for treatment of his illness, and he is expected to remain in Boston until January, undergoing intense and painful chemotherapy treatments. The first stage is expected to be a two-year regimen.

Meanwhile, family and friends cannot help but marvel at the West Melbourne resident's spirit. That same spirit is evident on the field.

Hargreaves has played for some of the Brevard Youth Soccer League's most successful clubs (Melbourne-Eau Gallie, Space Coast United and Indialantic). He also was selected for the 1988 Florida ODP team and starred for Mel-Hi before transferring to MCC earlier this year.

"Sean is one of my favorite players: fun- loving, but very competitive, and a talented boy," said Mel Hi and Indialantic Coach Jerry McCabe. "I was worried last year about him being a varsity starting goalkeeper as a freshman, but he handled the pressure fine and excelled.

"He does not seem to be affected by pressure. That's the same way he has handled this; as a matter-of-fact, something else he must overcome. He is a true champion."

The goofy grin for which Sean is so well-known in soccer circles remains with him in Boston, as does the easygoing outlook, according to his father.

"The I-don't-give-a-hoot attitude that has driven me absolutely nuts for the past 16 years is paying off," Eric said. "His main concern right now is, 'When I get home will I be able to kiss anyone?' IOU vouchers will be made available."

Still, Sean's illness has been tough on his family, not least of all on his 17-year-old brother Justin, a soccer and football player at MCC.

"Justin is having a rough go. It hit him pretty hard," his father said.

Sean's treatment also is going to be costly.

"We anticipate over $1 million worth of expense over the course of two years," Eric said, and quickly added that the academic, sporting and professional communities have jumped in to help.

The City of Melbourne Professional Firefighters, I.A.F.F. Local 1951, has started a Web site and trust fund for Sean. Students at MCC have planned fundraisers and awareness-related events. Soccer players from everywhere have expressed their support.

"The people at MCC have been unreal; so supportive," Eric said. "And the other night, the entire Mel Hi soccer team showed up at our house. It's been unbelievable. It's not just our soccer teams, it's the whole soccer community."

They all wait, together.

Sean's initial course of treatment will last four weeks, after which some indication of the future should come.

"On Day 28, we will know if he is going to be cured or not. If he is found to be in remission, we've won," Eric said. "That will be Dec. 9.

"Sean is (optimistic), still the same kid," his father said with a little marvel and huge pride. "He never goes into anything not convinced he will win."

Donations to the Sean Hargreaves Trust Fund should be taken or mailed to BB&T Bank 450 East Eau Gallie Blvd. Indian Harbor Beach, FL 32937.

Online donations and messages for Sean Hargreaves may be sent via the Web site set up by City of Melbourne Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 1951, at www.helpsean.com.