By By Chandler Myers
On Aug. 4, Escambia County band director Dennis Reid collapsed at a faculty meeting and it was questionable whether he would be able to return to school to lead his Blue Devil marching band.
Ten days later Dennis Reid returned to ECHS and will continue to lead his band until his body says otherwise.
Reid has been diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and has been given approximately one year to live, but he wants to spend that year doing what he loves.
Reid said he wants to spend that time not only with his wife, but also with his kids at the high school.
For the next three weeks, Reid will undergo extensive radiation and then be prescribed a chemotherapy type pill.
Reid said he is feeling fine at this point, but is just dealing with all of the emotions.
He added that the students have done a good job dealing with the situation and have been cooperative with his assistants.
Reid knows there is not really anything anyone can do, but said the community and faculty at the school has been supportive.
He added that Principal Means has been great about the situation.