Mr. Heileman had gone on a field trip to MOCA on October 17 2024 when he began to feel pain in his abdomen. “The next day I was admitted to the Kaiser Permanente, Baldwin Park with ruptured severe appendicitis”. While we students thought that was it Mr Heileman was still suffering not knowing the true reason. “The appendicitis was soon thought to be Crohn’s Disease. My surgeon decided to operate and remove a significant obstruction in the Terminal IIleum, where the small intestine meets the colon.” During this time Mr. Heileman was still continuously trying to update us till we had a long pause. “The samples that came back from the lab showed poorly differentiated, widespread adenocarcinoma with prominent signet ring morphology. Stage 4.” Now going Into Chemo Mr. Heileman hopes it will help ease the pain from the past surgery.

Mr. Heileman came in before break to say farewell to his South El Monte High School students. Every teacher has their outlook on students Mr. Heileman has looked at every one of us as bright students with successful futures. He spoke to his 7th period and said “I am happy to see your faces every day, Most teachers complain to see their students every day but I love my 7th period.” After school the number of students that came to see Helieman was phenomenal. As of right now, he will not be returning for this semester to spend time with his family he hopes to return in the future.   At the end of this article, I will include the link to the Caring Bridge which is where you will find more information on Mr. Heileman’s situation and can send him and his family prayers.