Empty classroom with musical notes floating in sunlight.
In Nags Head, North Carolina, the joyous sounds of music resonate through the halls of First Flight High School and Middle School. The chorus director, John Buford, has made a triumphant return to teaching, one year after receiving a life-altering leukemia diagnosis.
Buford, who was an inspiring presence at the school, faced a major turning point in his life when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. The diagnosis came just two weeks after he was honored as Teacher of the Year. “We had just finished celebrating my anniversary in the hospital room when the doctor delivered the upsetting news,” Buford recounted.
His treatment journey took him to Durham for nearly a year, during which he underwent a stem cell transplant on the day after Valentine’s Day. Thankfully, he received stem cells from his brother, which he hailed as a miracle of modern medicine: “I think it’s pretty incredible what they can do with medicine and I’m so blessed to have received my brother’s stem cells,” Buford stated.
The local community demonstrated unwavering support for Buford throughout his ordeal. “My hospital room was littered with cards from floor to ceiling. The Outer Banks became a beacon of light and hope that shone all the way to Durham,” he recalled. This outpouring of love and encouragement offered him profound motivation during a challenging time.
While his recovery continues, Buford remains optimistic about achieving full health. “It’s more of a crawl than a marathon to get to where you’re normal again. There are precautions to follow post-transplant, but I hope to be fully healthy again,” he explained. His outlook highlights both resilience and a deep appreciation for life.
After months away, Buford expressed how meaningful it was to return to his role in the classroom, doing what he loves most. “Singing has been something that has given me great joy throughout my life, and my ultimate goal is to inspire a passion in the students that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives,” he emphasized.
Through his experience, Buford learned valuable life lessons. He shared his newfound wisdom: “I learned to always have hope and to appreciate every moment that you’ve been given. I guess that’s why they call it the present, because it is a gift to appreciate.”
The return of John Buford to First Flight High School and Middle School not only signifies his personal victory but also serves as an inspiration to both students and faculty. His story reminds everyone about the power of community support, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of life.