Montreal students unite for dance-a-thon to support classmate battling leukemia
Posted October 24, 2025 1:51 pm.
Last Updated October 24, 2025 7:15 pm.
Lights dimmed, glow sticks lit the gym, and the music began to play, but at Pierre de Coubertin Elementary School in Montreal’s east end, Friday’s Dance-a-thon wasn’t just about dancing — it was about love, courage, and a little bit of magic.
Hundreds of students filled the gym, dressed in Harry Potter–inspired outfits, cheering as their classmate Joey Sousa, a nine-year-old Grade 4 student battling leukemia, walked in to join them.
A magical mission
Each year, the school rallies behind a cause, but this year’s fundraiser was deeply personal. The Dance-a-thon supported the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, raising over $47,701.60 — just shy of the school’s $50,000 goal — all in Joey’s honour.
The idea for the event came after interim Principal Lisa Triestino learned of Joey’s diagnosis over the summer. “We decided to bring movement into this fundraiser and create the Dance-a-thon,” she said, explaining how the school transformed its annual fundraiser into a celebration of community and support.
Triestino described how the event reflected Joey’s passions: Harry Potter, figure skating, and performing. The older students acted as captains and leaders, guiding younger classes through routines, while others joined virtually from their classrooms. Glow-in-the-dark accessories and themed outfits added extra sparkle, making the day special for Joey.
“I hope it shows that we’re truly a family. PDC really is a community school. We take care of one another. We want Joey to know that we love him and we’ll support him and his family throughout their journey,” Triestino said.
A student, a skater, a fighter
Joey is known for his bright smile, determination, and love for skating. Earlier this year, he ranked among Quebec’s top 10 competitive figure skaters under age nine, but after months of unexplained pain and fatigue, Joey was diagnosed with Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in July and began immediate treatment.
Now in the consolidation phase, Joey takes chemotherapy at home and visits the hospital regularly. His return to the school gym — surrounded by friends chanting his name — was nothing short of magical.
“I feel happy and excited because I get to see them,” Joey said. “It means a lot to me.”
The power of community
Joey is unable to return to school until March, but his presence is still felt throughout the building. He visited briefly on the first day of school alongside his siblings, and staff have remained in contact. Teachers have supported his siblings, and some have become pen pals with Joey.
Even when Joey isn’t physically at school, his classmates make sure he’s included. “Even though he’s not physically in the building with us, he’s still on their minds and part of our class,” said Mike Guerriero, Joey’s Grade 4 teacher. “Every time we do something, ‘Oh, we should take a picture, show it to Joey.’ It puts a lot of things into perspective.”
Guerriero added that the school’s strong community helps everyone come together during difficult times. “When it’s a difficult situation, the school comes together and we really support one another. It’s been really heartwarming to see, not only through the actions of the students but with the broader PDC community — it’s incredible.”
Joey’s parents said the support has been overwhelming. “I think it just shows how strong our community has been throughout all of this. Just seeing the generosity and everybody being involved… it’s really appreciated,” said Joe Sousa, Joey’s father.
“We’re very grateful that we have such a huge community behind us, and I think socially it also helps Joey not feel so isolated,” added Sonia Deitigli, Joey’s mother. “Mr. Mike has been very helpful, always including Joey in activities and giving us the work so he can complete it at home. Receiving messages from the staff — whether it be the administration, daycare educators, or teachers — we’re just in constant communication with them, and it just feels like home.”
A house united
As the music played and glow sticks twirled, the gym felt like Hogwarts’ Great Hall — alive with energy, light, and hope.
For Joey’s friend Valentina Dillembo, the moment was unforgettable. When she first heard that he was sick, she said, “I felt very, very sad for him.”
Seeing him at the Dance-a-thon brought joy. Valentina added, “That he cares about me and he’s like very interactive.
“It means a lot, and I’m very happy to have him as a friend,” she added.
The magic continues
The school’s commitment extends beyond Friday’s Dance-a-thon. Many students, staff and families are also set to participate in the Light the Night Walk on Oct. 25 in Montreal’s Old Port, a national event in support of the blood cancer community.
As the final song ended, students surrounded Joey, cheering and waving their glow sticks high — a shining display of courage, friendship, and school spirit.
At Pierre de Coubertin, it’s clear: when love and community come together, no one dances alone.
