Jenks Student Battling Illnesses Has Graduation Brought To Her

A Jenks High School senior battling several illnesses is getting the graduation of a lifetime, with the party and ceremony brought to her.

Many say senior Codejah Howard is a fighter. Howard is varsity track athlete who has been in and out of the hospital since early this year battling several illnesses.

"It was hard at first, but, I mean - I don't wanna say I got used to it, but it got normal," said Howard.

Howard couldn't go to her graduation, but that didn't stop family, friends and teachers from bringing the ceremonies - and the party - to her. At 6 p.m. sharp, the procession began on the fourth floor of St. Francis Hospital, along with tears of joy and smiling onlookers.

"We have a kid who has struggled, and she has overcome a lot of obstacles, and so for us to celebrate with her is very meaningful," said Dr. Amy Hudson, Jenks High School assistant principle.

Howard's parents, Laticia and Samuel Howard, say they've never been more proud of their daughter.

"She's a fighter, she has never complained, never complained - hasn't cried one time. We've done all the crying. She's awesome through the whole thing, she’s been awesome," they said.

Codejah said her courage comes from her parents, who have never given up. And with a smile ear to ear, she wants others to know the possibilities for anyone are endless.

"Anything is possible and you can get through it, no matter what. Anything, like, it doesn't matter what it is, you can push through it," said Howard.

Howard said she’ll be studying architectural engineering at OSU next semester.