School throws student who survived recurrent brain tumor a surprise birthday party

Kylie Harris, 21, received a surprise birthday party from her classmates on Friday. Harris survived a recurrent brain tumor with which she was initially diagnosed at age 3. (Fox 5 Atlanta)

Teachers, staff and students at a north Georgia high school threw a 21st birthday party for one of their students, and the student’s mother said the surprise celebration was fit for the milestone that day marked.

Kylie Harris, who attends Morgan County High School, is diagnosed with 11 medical conditions that leave her unable to attend school regularly, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Those struggles are the result of a recurring brain tumor that Harris was initially diagnosed with at age 3, but fought again at ages 5 and 8. After her first surgery, Harris suffered a stroke, which rendered her unable to swallow, walk or talk. The years that followed involved countless sessions of rehabilitative therapy.

"Twenty-one is a huge milestone for her," Harris’ mom, whom Fox 5 did not identify by name, told the news station. "We didn't think she would make it to celebrate several other birthdays along the way."

For Harris' party on Friday, her classmates sang “Happy Birthday” and presented Harris with a cake.

“The slogan for Morgan County High School is ‘One Morgan,’ and that spirit was demonstrated clearly,” Harris’ mom told Fox 5. “These teachers and students deserve a shout-out.”