Clovis student beats cancer, graduates

When cancer showed up in Kyle Richardson’s life he pushed on and will be one of 464 Clovis High School seniors graduating at today’s ceremony at the Curry County events center.

Richardson, 18, is the son of Shawn Richardson and Patricia and Zach May of Clovis.

Except for the disruptions caused by Coronavirus, Richardson was having a 16-year-old’s year in school back in November 2020. That’s when he started feeling very fatigued, something not typical for the member of CHS’s cross country team.

“Then I discovered a swelling in my armpit,” Richardson said.

Richardson went to Plains Regional Medical Center. Personnel there sent him to Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock. It was there, after about a week of tests, that Richardson was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“There was a big tumor blocking my return artery, and they wanted to get that swelling down right away,” Richardson said.

“Honestly I was scared,” Richardson continued. “I was living my life normally then suddenly I’m away from my family, my friends, my home, in a hospital and going through chemotherapy.”

Richardson said he was also concerned about the pandemic as he knew people going through chemotherapy are more susceptible to the virus.

Richardson’s treatment started with 15 weeks of chemotherapy followed by radiation treatments. He has been in remission for over a year.

Richardson said there were those who helped him through.

“I strongly believe in God, and I knew He would get me through it,” Richardson said. “And the school, the staff they were ready to help me, they were amazing.”

Richardson, graduating with honors, also praised his teachers.

Richardson plans on attending New Mexico State University in the fall and major in computer science.

Richardson has been thinking about working for a tech company but he is also pondering a military career. He doesn’t know if his medical history will present a problem in signing up for the armed forces.

Richardson was asked if he had anything to share with anyone who is facing adversity.

“Reach out,” Richardson said. “The community was so helpful. What really helped me was leaning into God.”

Did Richardson have favorite verses from The Bible that crossed his mind during the cancer treatments?

“Psalm 34:18, The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He rescues those whose spirit is crushed,” Richardson quoted. “Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you saith The Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster. To give you a future and a hope.”

“Kyle has the best attitude and an infectious smile,” CHS head counselor Christy Hill said.

Hill noted that while he had cancer and being treated for it, Richardson maintained his honor status, his advanced placement classes, supported his teammates on the track team and “had a great attitude.”