TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—The Washington Elementary School community—and then some—gathered in a raucous and heartfelt show of support on Friday, Feb. 7, to celebrate the resilience and courage of 9-year-old Shane McCooe, affectionately known as “Shane the Brave.”
Diagnosed with SR-BCELL leukemia on Dec. 2, 2022, Shane has endured grueling treatments, including chemotherapy, spinal taps, and unexpected setbacks such as blood clots and appendicitis. Through it all, says an event organizer, Julie Albanese, Shane faced every challenge with a smile.
On the day he completed his final treatment, Shane, sporting a blue Eli Manning Giants No. 10 jersey, was met with a thunderous clap-out at school dismissal. Students, teachers, and families—along with the Cardinals football program, Township of Washington police and fire departments, and other well-wishers from across the district—lined the halls, school steps, and sidewalks to cheer him on, chanting Shane the Brave!
The procession began inside the school, where the student body’s enthusiasm easily matched, and exceeded, the festive decor. Then, bursting through a yellow, signed, congratulatory banner as he emerged from the school, Shane and his sister, Savannah, walked a red carpet to a tide of Cardinal pride and more cheers. Sirens wailed, and the district celebrated a true hero.
Superintendent Dr. Patrick McQueeney called the moment “just absolutely incredible.” He told Pascack Press, “This is the community that we should be known for. This is amazing.” McQueeney emphasized that the event was “all parent-driven, and not just at Washington School—across the district.”
The event was spearheaded by a dedicated group of parents with the Washington Elementary School Parent Student Organization (PSO). Albanese emphasized that she wasn’t alone in making the day happen, and said if we didn’t also name organizers Kristen Mendelsohn and Allison Perrapato we shouldn’t name her. “It was definitely a team effort,” Albanese said.
Among the highlights was the presence of Shane’s friends and family (grandparents, too), not just from Washington School but from George School as well. Also in attendance was Joey Bulger, a young man from Westwood who beat back a particularly aggressive form of cancer a few years ago and came to celebrate with Shane. “That was so special,” Albanese said.
Shane, who is in third grade, and his sister, Savannah, who is in first grade, have formed a particularly close bond during this journey. Savannah’s poise throughout the loud and emotional event did not go unnoticed. “Savannah truly is amazing—not just as Shane’s sister, but as his genuine friend,” Albanese added.
Following the celebration, Shane returned to the school for one final assembly, where he was presented with a football signed by the varsity Cardinals and his own jersey—number 34 for his class year, 2034. That accomplished, the assembly erupted with the Dropkick Murphys’ “The Boys Are Back” and Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”
In a fitting finale, with music pounding and cheers still echoing, the Washington Township Police Department gave Shane a hero’s ride home.
For Shane’s parents, Michelle and Ryan, the day was overwhelming in the best way. Michelle told us it was “absolutely amazing! This was a giant surprise from the start—it blew me away. We were told about the date a while back, but as for what happened here, we had no idea. It’s so overwhelming, really amazing. Our community constantly shows up and shows out, and Shane feels the support from day one. This is just the cherry on top of the sundae of everything.”
Michelle, a professional photographer, has been documenting her family’s journey with a rare blend of insight, love, and artistic sensitivity. Shane’s Instagram account, “Diary of a Brave Kid,” has shared moments of courage and resilience throughout Shane’s treatment. Through family posts, the community has also learned about Shane’s connection to Manning, former New York Giants quarterback and two-time Super Bowl Champion.
Manning, a longtime advocate for Tackle Kids Cancer, often visits patients at Hackensack Meridian Health Children’s Hospitals, including Shane. He has been an outspoken supporter of pediatric cancer research since the foundation’s inception in 2015. Manning’s efforts include participating in the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative, where he wore custom cleats designed by a Tackle Kids Cancer MVP to raise awareness. Through his program, Eli’s Challenge, Manning matches community donations, doubling their impact.
Along with Shane’s family, the Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, and Tackle Kids Cancer (TKC), Shane’s team are collaborating to raise funds for pediatric cancer research, treatment, and patient care programs.
The McCooes have also spearheaded efforts to support pediatric oncology patients through their GO GOLD! initiative, an annual day of solidarity where supporters wear gold or yellow to show that “no one fights alone.” This year, they were collecting gift cards for the Pediatric Oncology Department at Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital to celebrate birthdays, distribute holiday gifts, and provide tokens of support to young patients.
