Polk County Walk

Abby McDanal

Since Abby's first diagnosis of ALL at five years old, she has been deeply involved in her own treatment. Abby speaks directly with her nurses and physicians, knows the names and dosages of her daily medications and understands and follows the precautions she must take as a result of her compromised immune system. Another impotant way Abby copes with her illness is to educate and support others with similar illnesses. She is always willing to allow other children to watch as her medi-port is accessed or she undergoes a spinal tap. She has spoken to groups from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and All Children's Hospital about her illness and its effects on her life. She has expressed a desire to be a "heart and lung surgeon" when she grows up!

Polk County Walk

Howard Hanson

I was diagnosed with CLL in 1998. I was fortunate not to have any serious health effects after my treatment. My quality of life is not affected. I would say I am getting old. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society continue to be a great support to me and my family.

Volusia County Walk

Jessica Matteson

In September 2007, I was diagnosed with CML and I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. In November 2007, we started talking about going to bone marrow transplant, which I thought wasn't going to happen for at least another year. Then my family members got tested to see if anyone was a match. I was so excited to know that I had not just one match, but two! In early January, my brother, Travis (one of the matches), my mom, my dad and I traveled to All Children's Hospital. On that day, January 30th, my brother and my hero, gave me his marrow! Now a little more than a two years after my transplant, I am doing awesome! I'm a regular 14 year old girl and I've started playing soccer again, my hair has grown back and I started school again. I am very HAPPY!

Volusia County Walk

April Atkinson

I married my High School sweetheart in July 2004 and welcomed our daughter, Payton, in November 2006. Seven months later, after getting a suspicious lump removed from my neck that was originally thought to be a clogged oil gland, I was given the news that I had Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I underwent six months of intense chemotherapy and entered remission in December 2007. Currently, I remain cancer free and undergo routine check ups every three months. Using my newborn daughter as my inspiration, keeping a positive attitude, educating myself on my disease and surrounding myself with a great team of doctors is why I am still here today!

Greater Orlando Walk

Brianna DaRosa

Brianna is a 7 year old girl, who was diagnosed with Leukemia on July 20, 2008. Her journey with cancer has taught us how precious life really is. Brianna's strength and bravery to fight this horrible disease, has been so AMAZING! She is currently being treated currently for the disease. That treatment will end January 2011! Our family look forward to a bright future for Brianna, maybe even enter the medical profession, as a nurse and/or Child Life Specialist.

Greater Orlando Walk

Adrian Herbert

Hi. My name is Adrian Herbert. I am honored to be chosen the 2010 Boy of the Year for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. My family and I want to thank everyone who is participating in this campaign or donating their money or time to help find a cure for cancer and help sick children like me. Even though I?m only two years old, I?ve been in the hospital a lot for treatment. I have met a lot of kids there who are sick with cancer. If you could only meet them, you would be so proud of how you are helping them.Thank you, everyone!

Brevard County Walk

Christina Dixson