Bishop Canevin students raise funds for motorized wheelchair for alum

Bishop Canevin High School’s philosophy since it opened in 1959 has been that family is like the branches on a tree: We all grow in different directions, but our roots remain as one.

It was never more evident than with the recent gift of a motorized wheelchair to a former student, purchased from the funds raised by current students.

Michael Meyer, who graduated from Bishop Canevin High School in 1994, reached out to his alma mater with the idea of holding a fundraiser for a classmate who is battling numerous medical problems. Meyer is the founder of Emerald Owl Productions in Emerald Isle, N.C., and although he lives in another state, the pull to help “family” was imperative.

The pandemic interrupted the initial planning stages but, as the administration learned, Becca McKim Barrett was still unable to get some of her needs covered by insurance, a plan was set to be of service.

“When our dean of students, Joe Romano, was notified of the need, we put out an immediate call to action. Joe actually graduated the year after (her) and he coordinated all our efforts,” said Principal Michael Joyce. “This need and our student response perfectly exemplified our school mission that encourages and supports the students being persons for others.”

Canevin’s student body paid to hold two dress-down days (meaning they do not have to wear their uniforms) which raised $2,000. A parent who gave a generous donation initially inspired by the students’ efforts challenged Joyce to use his weekly email blast to reach out to other parents of current students – and a combination of donations from parents, faculty and Canevin’s board of directors raised another $3,000.

Within a two week period, they were able to raise all the funds and purchase the motorized wheelchair, donating the remainder of the money to Barrett to assist with other medical expenses.

Barrett is originally from Moon and currently lives in West Mifflin. She was an active participant of many Canevin activities while in high school: Cavettes (flag girl), cheerleader and honors chorus. She worked as the associate director of The Autism Center of Pittsburgh and as a home health aide when the center was sold. She got married and has four children ranging in ages from 17-25.

In 2009, she was diagnosed with lupus and began walking with a cane. Following a series of other challenges personally and with members of her family, including her youngest son being hit by a car and resulting in a traumatic brain injury, she found herself in a wheelchair after complications from minor surgery.

In 2017, Barrett was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, vascular type, with four inoperable tumors on her spine. The majority of her time is spent in bed as she cannot sit or stand for very long due to lupus and the tumors. She has used forearm crutches inside the house and rarely goes outside her home as her treatments make her seriously immuno-suppressed.

“An electric wheelchair is a game-changer,” Barrett said. “My son plays baseball for the Miracle League of the South Hills, and I now will be able to attend the games once they start playing again. I also haven’t been able to take my 6-year-old grandson to the park, but now I will be able to. I’ll be able to get out of the house and not worry about having to propel myself by the push rims. There are not adequate words to convey my gratitude. There’s always been something special about Canevin and I’m so glad to see that hasn’t changed. What you did for me was give me hope and true quality of life.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of our students for their faith-forward response,” Joyce said. “In times of need, this dynamic community comes together like the family they are and help each other.”