Metro Atlanta classmates defeat cancer together

SMYRNA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — As Thanksgiving approaches, two teenagers have found their friendship deepened by a shared battle against cancer.

Camilo Henao and J.P. Thomas, classmates at Whitefield Academy, helped each other through separate cancer diagnoses this year, culminating in ringing the victory bell together at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta on Friday, Nov. 21.

Thomas first noticed symptoms in May when his knee started hurting. What doctors initially thought might be a meniscus tear from playing tennis turned out to be something much worse.

“There were spots all over my body,” Thomas said. “I had them on my skull, shoulders, arms, hip and legs.”

Doctors diagnosed Thomas with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a rare type of pediatric cancer. Treatment began immediately at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, with Henao at his side.

“I was like, ‘Dang, that has to suck,’” Henao said of watching his friend go through chemotherapy treatments.

Thomas took the treatment in stride, leaning on his faith.

“It’s not a big deal in the long run,” Thomas said. “But, for my time on earth, it’s kind of a big deal.”

His mother, Tish Thomas, said her son never complained about his diagnosis.

“He never said, ‘Why me’ or ‘This sucks.’ He never complained,” she said.

Roles reverse as friend gets diagnosed

As Thomas’ treatment concluded, Henao received his own cancer diagnosis.

“It was more painful finding out he was diagnosed with cancer, rather than me,” Thomas said.

“First week was the worst week I’ve had in my life,” Henao said of his chemotherapy treatments.

The roles reversed, with Thomas now supporting his friend through treatment. When Thomas became cancer-free, he faced a decision about ringing the traditional victory bell.

“Why would I go through the joy of ringing the bell when my friend is going through the same thing?” Thomas said.

Maria Espinosa, Henao’s mother, said Thomas’ decision showed maturity beyond his years.

“That’s a lot for a 15-year-old to do. That says a lot about his heart,” Espinosa said.

Thomas waited until last Friday, when both teens rang the bell together as cancer-free survivors.

Both families sang the praises of Children’s Healthcare, which helped ground the families.

“It’s not a hospital,” said Juan Henao, Camilo’s father. “It’s an embassy of heaven on earth.”

The friends said their shared experience has strengthened their bond, though they still give each other a hard time.

“We joke about losing hair a lot,” Thomas said.

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