OHS comes together to support the Dotson family with ItsJulyYearRound
By: Alivia Williams
Photo of #Itsjulyyearround awareness post
Kevin Dotson, an assistant principal at OHS, and his family received heartbreaking news on October 12th, 2023. His four-year-old son, July, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor known as DIPG. Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma is a highly aggressive brain tumor that is immensely difficult to treat. It affects the lower region of the brainstem, the portion that controls breathing, blood pressure and heart rate– many vital functions. Symptoms of DIPG often appear rapidly, mirroring the swift growth of the tumor. Devastatingly, DIPG has a zero chance survival rate. Soon after July’s diagnosis, the Dotson family traveled to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis in order for July to begin receiving treatment. Currently, the family is posting updates about July on the CaringBridge website so friends and community members can stay up to date.
Owasso High School has put forth many efforts to support the Dotson family in their time of need. The Owasso Basketball Booster Club is currently selling pins depicting the “#itsjulyyearround” image for $5. Mr. Poteete, an OHS coach, has made bracelets in support of the cause; they are $3 and can be purchased in the main office. The proceeds from the pins and the bracelets will go directly to the Dotson family.
Owasso FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), put on a dodgeball tournament fundraiser on Tuesday, October 24th. This event consisted of concessions, donation opportunities, numerous rounds of dodgeball, and words of inspiration. Posters were hung all along the walls in support of July, strikingly visible to the many OHS students, faculty, and families who attended. By the end of the night, FCA had raised over seven hundred dollars for the Dotson family.
Photo of FCA dodgeball fundraiser taken by Joey Perkins
A great amount of support and love is being sent July’s way. Not only is the Owasso community supporting the Dotson family, but the news of July’s diagnosis has been and continues to be shared on social media, where people from all over the world are offering words of encouragement, prayers, advice and donations. Mr. Dotson and his wife are welcoming inspiring words and prayers for their son– every single ounce of kindness helps in some way.
Coach Dotson has proved to be a wonderful administrator, leader and loving father. With his time spent at Owasso thus far, Dotson has put forth great actions. Now, it is time for the Owasso community to offer him the same. July and his family need encouragement now more than ever– these are times in which people should connect over a meaningful cause. With the Dotson family in mind, write July an inspiring note, send uplifting messages to Mr. and Mrs. Dotson, send gift cards and donations or even propose another fundraising event for this fighting family. Remember, no help goes unnoticed, and if there is anything one should wish to believe in this world– let it be miracles.
The Dotson Family’s current St. Jude address:
ATTN Patient: July Dotson, Apt. 403
361 N. Third St., Memphis, TN 38105
Follow July’s Journey:
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/julydotson
Ways to Support:
Dotson Family GoFundMe Fundraiser
Cashapp: $koachdotson
Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/Koach_Dotson
DM @buttonup_obbc for July pin
Itsjulyyearround bracelets in the main office