Community rallying around student with cancer to give him graduation party

WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — A community is coming together to give a West Mifflin High School student with terminal cancer an unforgettable graduation party this weekend.

Ryan Conley once before battled cancer and is now trying to beat the disease again.

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“It was really a big blow to hear that, but we’re here to help and support him and stand behind him,” said Molly Harbst, who has served as a guidance counselor, cheerleader and friend to the Conley family for the past four years.

Last month, Ryan surprised his classmates at a pep rally, where school administrators presented him with his high school diploma.

“His friends were there with him. (They brought) him out into the crowd and everyone went crazy, clapping, screaming, yelling, crying,” Harbst said. “It was really better than our typical graduation, so it was nice to have that all at once and see the look on his face.”

This weekend, thanks in part to Jamie's Dream Team, the celebration will continue with a graduation party that the entire community is invited to attend.

The party is set to take place at his home - located in the 700 block of Irwin Run Road in West Mifflin - between 1 and 6 p.m. Saturday.

“He’s an awesome kid, and we're really proud of him,” Harbst said.

For additional details about Saturday's party, visit the Jamie's Dream Team Facebook page.

WPXI