Recently, retired BPHS Assistant Principal Mr. Jerry Roman was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Since the end of October 2013, Mr. Roman has been receiving weekly blood transfusions at UPMC Shadyside.
Mr. Roman is currently a resident of Raccoon Township in Beaver County and has been married to his wife, Terri, for more than 31 years. The couple has one daughter, Brittany, who is 26.
To support Mr. Roman, the Bethel Park School District and Central Blood Bank teamed up. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the high school held a blood blank that would replenish Mr. Roman’s blood supply.
PACS was instrumental in setting up the blood bank at the high school for Mr. Roman. In conjunction with PACS, Mrs. Kathy Ryan from the Central Blood Bank coordinated the logistics of the drive.
Dr. Jansante said, “Mr. Roman has been hospitalized and is receiving blood transfusions weekly. We have held four blood drives so far. The blood drive in December was dedicated to Mr. Roman to replenish his blood supply, as AML causes a drop in red blood cells, platelets and normal white blood cells.”
The turnout at the blood drive was tremendous. Students were supportive of Mr. Roman and were more than willing to lend a helping hand.
“The blood drive was very successful. We had 104 units collected with 130 attempts,” Dr. J said.
After Mr. Roman’s retirement in 2012, Mr. Roman’s involvement with transitioning from the old school to the new school was huge. Mr. Roman took on the daunting challenge to coordinate the move.
“Mr. Roman was an assistant principal, located in building one, at the high school for fifteen years,” Dr. J said. “When we transitioned to the new school, Mr. Roman came out of retirement to help with the move, as the other principals and I had to go about our other duties. That’s just the type of man he is.”
During Mr. Roman’s tenure, Mr. Roman was an active supporter of the men’s and women’s golf programs and still serves on the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League golf steering committee. During Mr. Roman’s hospitalization, he has taken on many hobbies. In his hospital room, he keeps a yoga mat and a putting green close to him.
On the same note, a community-wide replenishment blood drive will be held for Mr. Roman on Tuesday Jan. 7, 2014 from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the community room of the Administration building.
The turnout at the high school is evidence that Mr. Roman’s kind, selfless personality speaks volumes. The student body has Mr. Roman’s back.
Likewise, a similar turnout is projected for the upcoming community drive in January. The community rallying together for the same cause shows Bethel’s true colors.
Dr. J ended with an authentic statement that sums up Mr. Roman’s character:
“He is truly a genuine man.”
