Community turns out for Channelview student with cancer

His friends describe him as a "good person for society."

"He is full of love for everybody," said Yolanda Martel, speaking through an interpreter. "He is a very caring person."

Martel is talking about Jose Lugo, a 15-year-old Channelview High School student who was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. Friends and family of Lugo’s gathered at Herrera’s Ballroom on the Beaumont Highway to raise funds to help with his medical expenses. Lugo does not have insurance and is going to have to go through chemotherapy and other treatment.

The funds raised will help pay for Lugo’s medical expenses. They raised the money by selling food, hosting a raffle, having games for children and live music.

"Everybody is in shock," said Claudia Leos, a family friend. "It was very unexpected. He was bothered for about seven months by what he thought was a hernia. They just diagnosed it three weeks ago. If there is one thing to learn from this is go to the doctor and get checked out."

Lugo is known for his interest in cross-country running and for his community involvement. After Hurricane Ike devastated the area, Lugo was one of several Channel High School student volunteers who took part in a makeshift POD and helped to distribute food and ice to needy residents. The Channelview sophomore also plays the tuba in the band and loves soccer.

Read more in the next edition of the North Channel Sentinel.