Atlantis Marine World 

Alexis, Age 12, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor

In April 2008, Alexis was diagnosed with Advanced Anaplastic Large T-Cell Non-Hodgkins' Lymphoma (ALCL) at 11 years old.  She has and is still receiving numerous rounds of chemotherapy (she will complete her last treatment April 2009), but through it all still maintains a positive attitude. Lexie continues to amaze us with her strength, courage and her determination not to let anything stand in her way of doing what she wants to do.  She even participated in a few soccer games with her travel and middle school teams while still undergoing chemo.  With the support of her family and friends, she has accomplished almost everything that she set out to do.  She was captain of "Team Lexie" for Light The Night, raising $4,500 for LLS with the hopes of finding a cure for this devestating disease.  She is a role model and an inspiration to others, and truly our Hero.  

Atlantis Marine World 

In Memory of Laura Ann, Multiple Myeloma Survivor 

Laura Ann was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in October of 2001.  After living three to five years passed the maximum survival at time of diagnosis, Laura Ann lost her battle on April 14, 2009. 

We will miss her dearly and have been so inspired by her courage and her spirit. 

Eisenhower Park

Frank, Age 7, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivor

"Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia was the diagnosis we received on July 7th, 2003 when our son Frank was just two years old.  We were devastated.  We faced two years of chemo every week, multiple spinal taps and hospitalizations.  Frank lost his hair, had prednisone face (moon face) and he stopped walking and talking.  Now, Frank is a healthy 7 year old boy, who loves to play kickball whenever he can.  We want to cry when we see him run the bases.  He is involved with Cub Scouts, soccer and baseball and loves his video games...In other words, he is a normal 7 year old boy.  This summer, Frank will be considered cured.  If he had been diagnosed 10 years ago, he would not have made it.  We are extremely grateful that he is here for us to watch him run the bases. "  - Frank's Parents 

Eisenhower Park

Tina, Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor

Just weeks after the birth of my third son in September '07, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  I underwent four months of chemotherapy and four weeks of radiation.  I lost all of my hair and energy, which was challenging as the mother of three boys, but I was determined not to let it dampen my spirits.  With the support of my family and friends, I was able to focus and keep a smile on my face. 

Now, about a year later, I am cancer free and many of the side effects have gone away, but it has changed me forever.  This past September, I was a team captain for Light The Night, and I am currently training to participate in the Long Island 1/2 Marthon this May with Team In Training.

Citibank Park

Cyndy, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor

In 2007, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at age 36.  My biting sarcastic humor (I would charge people a dollar to rub my bald head and make a wish!) helped me fight cancer head-on and after four months of grueling chemotherapy and 21 days of radiation, I was told I was in complete remission.  I never would have made it without the awesome medical team at Withrop University Hospital, who never gave up on me.  Supporting LLS has become a family affair.  I am a team captain for Light The Night and my brother is a mentor for the North Carolina Team In Training program.  Now enjoying my first year cancer free, I am committed to helping other young adult cancer patients adjust to life as cancer survivors, and enourage them all to get busy living!

Citibank Park

Christen,  Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor

On the 4th of July in 2002, just shy of my 2-year wedding anniversary, I was in the hospital being given the news that no young newlywed wants to hear... "you have cancer".  Who would have thought at 27 years old, and just starting to try to have a family with my husband, Josh, that I would be diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma!  I couldn't believe it!  My dreams of being a mother were shattered and put on hold.  I was totally devestated!  After the shock, I had18 weeks of chemotherapy & 18 radiation treatments.  Every time I went in for treatement, I had a smile on my face.  Why?  Because I knew at that moment that I was a survivor.  Here I am 6.5 years later, a cancer survivor, and proud new mom!  Who said dreams don't come true?  Mine did and miracles do happen, as I am living proof!

Citibank Park

Ed, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Survivor 

In November of 2003, I was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, two days after my 46th birthday. (stop doing the math!) I was told by my doctor that CML had an 8 to 10 year life expectancy. That was before the creation of Gleevec! Gleevec was a new drug that had been out for two years that has given renewed hope to people with CML.  It targets only the bad cells with very little side effects. Within 30 days my white blood cell count had gone back to normal.  Now, 5 years later, my blood counts remain in the normal range. Gleevec has given me hope of living a normal lifespan! LLS and your fundraising efforts were instrumental in funding the development of this lifesaving medicine.  Thank you!

These are just a few of the many people who have touched us.  To see more of our Long Island Honored Heroes, Click Here.