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Honored Heroes
Honored Heroes
An Honored Hero is a dedicated individual, patient or survivor of blood cancer, who provides inspiration and support to Light The Night participants, volunteers and staff. Honored Hero share their strength, courage and motivation with Light The Night walkers and provide encouragement. In return they are welcomed into a community of individuals fighting for a cure, providing hope to those affected by blood cancer.
Meet Our 2013 Honored Heroes!
Aracelis |
Ava |
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Light The Night Walk Team: Team Celis In February 2012, Aracelis was a new mom of a baby girl when she went to the emergency room for suspicious red bumps and bruises on her body. After a whirlwind night of tests and a blood transfusion, Aracelis was transferred to Baltimore, University of Maryland where she was told she had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and that she would be starting her chemotherapy that night. Signing up for a clinical trial, Aracelis underwent an aggressive treatment that made her so sick, that there times that she did not want to get out of bed, have any visitors or eat. By April 2012, she was declared in remission and began the maintenance stage of treatment. Aracelis says "I didn't know my own strength. I fought and continue to fight to live, for my daughter Jordan and for me. It's not an easy journey, but you will make it. For those who have not beaten this battle, I thank you for your fight! Everyone's fight gives another the strength to fight." |
Light The Night Walk Team: Team Ava Ava was a happy 2 ½ year old when she fell very ill with a fever that just would not go away. Her parents worst fear was confirmed when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Ava's treatment began right away and by the 8th day, she was in remission. Ava has completed over 1 year of the grueling chemotherapy on her little body and she is now on the last phase of her treatment. Her chemotherapy treatment will end on March 21, 2014, just before her 5th Birthday. Throughout it all Ava and her family has learned to take life hour by hour and to embrace each second.
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Logan |
Moira |
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Light The Night Walk Team: Team Logan After a childhood injury with a toy box, Logan's family grew concerned when her wound would not heal. While Logan played in the waiting room, her parents received the crippling news that she was to be admitted immediately for treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). After many spinal taps, blood transfusions, and chemotherapy, Logan was in remission after two months but through all the hardships Logan continued to smile and sing "Ready for the Battle". Logan is still in remission and will receive chemotherapy until 2014. Today she is a happy 4 year old little girl who enjoys going to school and playing with her friends.
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Light The Night Walk Team: Team Moira Moira was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on May 6, 2011, when she was three and half. For the two weeks before she was diagnosed she had swollen lymph nodes that were the size of small peas on the back of her head, neck and going down her shoulders. It became apparent this was not a virus that her body was fighting. The first weeks were a blur with unfamiliar terminology and medical procedures. Moira received a crash course in biology, anatomy, oncology, pharmacology, research protocols, radiation, and hospital procedures. Moira and her family have been fortunate to have access to knowledgeable doctors and a clinic that makes hospital visits for treatment infrequent. Moira is now in long-term maintenance, with an end of treatment date of August 22, 2013. Moira will tell you that she is the "still me" whether she has hair, no hair, long hair, short hair or curly. She loves gymnastics and does it weekly, is learning to ice skate and downhill ski, loves to bike, learned to swim last summer and enjoys being in school. |
Richard |
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Light The Night Walk Team: Team Zavadowski After a long stint of unexplained illness and unanswered questions, Richard and his family received the news that he had Stage IV peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma. With his cancer as advanced as it could be and a rare type of lymphoma, Richard decided to be part of a research "protocol" run by the National Institutes of Health. He spent a total of 650 hours in treatment over a period of four months. Over the course of his treatment, Richard and his family mixed in as much normal life as possible, never letting the cancer take over their lives. Thanks to the wonders of modern science, an excellent medical team, a great research protocol and lots of prayers, Richard is celebrating 4 years lymphoma free. |
