Hennessey Band Rallies Behind Assistant Band Director Battling Disease

Darren Brown, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Just like any successful athletic team, a high school band relies on teamwork to make things happen. And when just one person is missing, it makes a huge difference.

Band day at the State Fair of Oklahoma is a chance for small bands across the state to strut their stuff, and shine for the judges. But one school had to shine on Monday without one of their brightest.

Hennessey's assistant band director Bradley Gilbert is battling leukemia. He spent Monday in the hospital instead of with his students.

"He keeps our pride up, pretty much anything you ask him to do, whenever we're marching or playing," One of the band members said.

The band's performance at the state fair was a good one, but it still wasn't the most important part of the day. The Eagle Pride still had one good performance left in them, so they took it to OU Medical Center, and presented it to their missing mentor.

Gilbert will start his latest round of treatment this week. He'll be at OU medical center for treatment for three weeks.

To keep up with Gilbert's battle against leukemia, you can go to Praying For Bradley Gilbert Facebook Page.