LACEY, Wash. – Cody Norquist was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma on February 11, 2015.
During the school year, it meant missing classes at Capital High so Cody could receive stem cell treatments and chemotherapy. He recently spent five weeks in the ICU.
The student says he is on a mission to finish the fight his father started more than eight years ago.
“I’m doing this, fighting this for him since he lost his battle with lung cancer,” said Norquist.
He thought he would be too sick to attend his graduation. But Friday, he felt strong enough. Grant Norwitz, a helicopter pilot, offered to give Cody a ride from the hospital in Seattle to his high school graduation in Lacey. The helicopter landed on the soccer field, and Cody received a golf cart ride to his classmates. They were waiting for him and chanting his name.
A student shouted “looking good Cody” as he put on the cap and gown.
“I didn’t think I would get to be here since I was so sick,” said Norquist.
On this night, his determination to win the battle meant crossing the stage at graduation.
While Cody does not have enough credits yet to receive his diploma, Superintendent Dick Cvitanich agreed to let him walk with his classmates. He will continue to work on finishing his credits as he continues to battle cancer.
