Nicholas was a happy and healthy little 3 and a half year old until February 14, 2008. That was the day that life as we knew it came crashing down on us. That was the day that we heard the words no parent should ever have to hear. "Your child has cancer." That horrible day was the day that our son Nicholas was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He had been complaining of pain in his right leg and foot and was running a low grade fever, but still acting like a normal little boy.
 
After not being able to get into the pediatrician we took Nicholas to the ER for an x-ray of his foot since he was complaining about it nonstop for two days. Never in a million years did we think that something was seriously wrong. Never in a million years did cancer cross our minds. The doctors told us later that he was not even presenting with a lot of the usual symptoms. I remember the first night in the hospital praying to take this away from my son and to give it to me instead. After the initial shock of our son being diagnosed wore off, we immediately went into fighting mode. After all, how can we expect our son to fight if we were not able to fight right alongside him? And fight he has. He has done extremely well thus far with his treatment and continues to amaze us every single day with his strength and courage. He is such a fighter and is always smiling no matter what the circumstances.  Anyone that meets him is touched by his beautiful spirit and adorable smile.  Nicholas will finish his treatment on April 18, 2011 but will be monitored for the rest. Childhood cancer robs these children of their innocence. My son has endured countless spinal taps, bone marrow aspirations, hospital stays due to fevers, and so much chemotherapy, that I sometimes wonder how his little body can handle it. Through it all, my son acts like a normal 5-year-old. He is in kindergarten, takes karate and has tons of friends. If you were to ask me who my hero is I would tell you that it is definitely my son. 
 
My commitment to fight comes in the form of fundraising and raising awareness and that is why I am so passionate about Alex's Lemonade Stand and all that it stands for. Alex's Lemonade Stand gives parents like me hope. So thank you Alex's Lemonade Stand for everything you do in the fight against Childhood Cancer.

Written by Michelle Konish, Nicholas’s Mother
04/10