Catasauqua Middle School teachers, staff and students recently came together to support sixth-grade student Julian “Butter” Saleh, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in November.

According to CMS teacher Vickie Mac- Laughlin, the sixth-grade team of teachers decided to come up with a way to raise money for Julian’s family.

The idea soon materialized into the school creating “Team Butter” shirts, which are currently on sale for $20.

Initially, the sale was only directed to CMS students, family members, teachers and staff. It’s now been opened to the community.

Additionally, CMS student Michael Schwab, whose grandfather Thomas Jarosz died Dec. 2, 2016, had asked that donations be made in his memory to the Saleh family. Last month, he presented a check for $2,000 to the Saleh family.

“We found out about Butter just as we were going through losing my dad,” Michael’s mother, Jaime Schwab, said. “It was an easy decision. Michael made a donation box and set it up in the funeral home.”

According to Mac- Laughlin, despite a cancer diagnosis, Butter exudes an upbeat attitude.

“He remains positive,” MacLaughlin told The Press. “He came to school for a day the day before he was to begin his treatment. We chatted a bit and he said, ‘You know, Mrs. Mac, this cancer is 93-percent curable!’”

For the next six months, Butter will undergo chemotherapy treatments at St. Christopher’s Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia.

Anyone interested in purchasing a shirt to support the Make Butter Better fund should make a check out to his mother, Wendy Nguyen, and mail to or drop the check off at CMS.

An order form is available and must be filled out and returned to the school, along with the payment, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. during the school week.

Individuals who purchase a shirt would need to pick it up when delivered to the school.

A GoFundMe site has been created at “Butter (Julian) chemo treatment.”

MacLaughlin said Julian and his family are very appreciative of the support shown by the entire CMS community.

The family was overwhelmed by what they viewed at the school when they visited before Christmas break, she said.

“When they saw the banner, the tree, the hallway and Julian’s locker, his mom was brought to tears,” Mac- Laughlin said.

MacLaughlin noted the support within the family as well.

She said both Julian and his brother Jeremy, a student at Catasauqua High School, have shaved their heads.

MacLaughlin, who is home-schooling Butter while he receives treatments during the next six months, said he is a unique individual.

“Julian is such a positive young man,” she said. “If you didn’t know he was sick, his outward appearance doesn’t give it away. His smile brightens a room and hasn’t dimmed with his diagnosis.”