As the only child to a single mom, John Cates’ childhood was different than most other boys his age. Eight years ago, his mother was diagnosed with an inoperable brain cancer. Without any other family in the United States, he and his mother, Diana Aray, were a team and would fight the disease together. John, barely 10 years old, became her cheerleader and caretaker. Diana did chemotherapy and radiation, and John was always by her bedside helping her through the tough days. Even with all that was happening at home, John was a stellar student and accomplished musician. He was in advanced placement courses and a member of the jazz band. After two different rounds of treatments, Diana thought she’d defied the odds and beaten the cancer. Sadly, the cancer returned, and treatments were no longer working.  John left his traditional high school and enrolled in Orange County Virtual School so he could work to help pay bills and care for his mom. Doctors have told Diana she will not be alive in May and that she needed a plan for John, who is a senior in high school. Having just turned 18 years old, John can legally live in the apartment until he goes to college. However, he needs assistance with the costs of living, such as rent, utilities and groceries. John will graduate this year and hopes to enroll in a college to study digital arts.

If you would like to help the John in this time of need, please make a gift to the fund.  You may give online using the form below. If you prefer to give by check, please make it payable to "Foundation for OCPS," write  "Help for John" in the memo section, and mail it to the Foundation for OCPS, 445 West Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801. The  family is so thankful for your support.