James Godsey, an Oakwood Elementary student in the Granite School District, was diagnosed just two days after his 10th birthday with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. In recognition and gratitude for James’ contribution of inspirational bravery and courage within the Holladay community, Mayor Rob Dahle and the Holladay City Councilmembers awarded James an honorary Key to the City in a Zoom award ceremony.

Receiving a Key to the City is a ceremonial gesture that symbolizes recognition for significant contributions or outstanding achievements made by individuals or groups. This tradition dates back to medieval times, when walls surrounded cities, and their gates were locked at night. A Key to the City was an actual key given to a visiting king or hero, allowing them to enter and leave the city freely, even after the gates were closed. 

Usually, Holladay City honors community members with a Holladay Helping Hands award. James specifically requested a Key to the City in reference to the superhero Batman, whom he loves. Batman, under his civilian identity, Bruce Wayne, received a Key to the City of Gotham City in 2009. Holladay City decided to accommodate James’ request for an honorary Key to the City.

Assistant City Manager Holly Smith commissioned a gold key adorned with the Holladay City logo on the bow. The key was presented in a box inscribed with the words, “Holladay Key to the City presented to James A. Godsey.” The key serves as a symbolic token in recognition of James’ inspirational bravery and courage and to let him know that the city of Holladay is thinking of him and is behind him all the way. 

The journey through a cancer diagnosis comes with only general road maps to navigate and requires both bravery and courage. Bravery is often described as a fearless, quick-hit impulse happening in the moment, whereas courage is usually recognized as long-game intentional. The late actor John Wayne aptly defined courage as being scared to death but saddling up anyway.  Bravery and courage have been the constant traveling companions of James for over two months now.

“James was diagnosed with leukemia a couple of days after his birthday,” James Godsey’s dad, Andy Godsey, said. “We went up to Primary Children’s Hospital because his pediatrician noticed some abnormal blood lab results in some tests. The doctors were thinking maybe mononucleosis, but the final diagnosis was AML. We were at the hospital for a month while he received chemo and recovered, and then another month until we were finally able to get James into remission. We were able to get his bone marrow transplant after this last round of chemo, which his sister Kate, his only sibling, donated. She had a 25% chance of being a bone marrow match, and it turned out she was a 100% match. Going forward, James will now have Kate’s blood type. We have been blown away by the community support we have received. Thank you to everyone.”

Soon, James will have a biopsy taken of his bone marrow to determine if the cancer is still undetectable and how much of his immune system is Kate’s immune system. He will be on immune suppressants through the summer, and after the winter holidays, he will hopefully be able to return to school.

Dahle extended an invitation to lunch to James and his sister during the Zoom award. 

“James, we know this has been difficult for you and your family,” Dahle said. “You have the support of our city council and staff, and we are praying for you. Along with the Key to the City, we have ‘swag bags’ for both you and Kate. When you’re feeling better, James, I would like to extend an invitation to both you and Kate to have lunch with me in my office.” λ