Event: Nick’s Cancer Smasher Party (5 Years Cancer Free!!!)
Date: June 26, 2010
Event Coordinator: Cheryl “Whinter” Whitaker (TI/TB-3127)
This was an event that was a true “Celebration” in all aspects of the word. Nick, now 9 years old, has been CANCER FREE for 5 years!!
Nick was diagnosed with Bilateral Wilms Tumors (cancer in both kidneys) at age 1. He went through 4 ½ years of heavy chemo and radiation. At age one, they removed the entire right kidney and 2/3 of the left kidney. He is a living miracle to be here today. He will need a kidney transplant and he is at risk for heart failure and other cancers. The heavy chemo has messed up his neurological system, but he is a wonderful boy and you’d never know he had cancer until he shows you his scars on his belly.
He is OBSESSED with Star Wars. He LOVES R2-D2 and all the characters. We are having a Cancer Smasher Party for him and this would make his YEAR!
Once again the members of the 501st’s Midwest Garrison and the Nar Shaddaa Base of the Rebel Legion come through! With the 3-hour party being held outdoors and the heat index being close to 100 degrees, we were very careful to keep hydrated and to take many breaks from the terrible heat and humidity.
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All the kids (approximately 75 of them) did their very best to keep cool as well. Nick’s mom had a ton of fun activities planned for the children. The list consisted of Water Balloon tosses, Bozo Buckets, Tattoo Station, Face Painting, a Bubble Machine, Balloon Making, Bouncy Castle set up in the yard, Tug-of-War and a tire swing for kids to ride two at a time. They had an absolute blast! Even we got into the fun a little. As for the adults, they played “Bags” and just had fun watching the kids. There was plenty of food and drinks for everyone, and Nick’s mom even had T-Shirts made for each and every attendee of the party…even us!
We had eight Imperial and Rebel costumes there, but the #1 HIT of the party was Darryl’s lovable purple Droid… R2-S5! When Darryl arrived, he was trying to sneak up on the party-goers, but was unsuccessful. The kids were all on the lookout for S5 and spotted him as they were coming down the street about a block away! All you could hear from was “There he is! R2 is here! R2! R2! There he is!”
Darryl was swarmed by Nick and all the children as soon as S5 was out of his trailer and onto the pavement. Nick’s comment to the Droid was a very excited and loud, “R2! I love you SO much that I could MARRY you!” Yep, S5 certainly had quite a fan club. They just couldn’t get enough of him.
Nick’s Cancer Smasher Party was a HUGE success! Everyone seemed to have a great time, and it was wonderful to be able to be a part of such a special day for Nick and his family. So many times we see these children taken down by this terrible disease. It was fantastic to see cancer being taken down instead this time! May you have many more happy and healthy days ahead of you, Nick!
You can read more about Nick at: www.caringbridge.org/il/nicholas
501st Legion (Midwest Garrison) Members:
Mark Van Slyke (8063) – General Grievous
Neil Auer (3446) – Strormtrooper
Ed Kryzowski (4438) – Tusken Raider
Cheryl Whitaker (3127) – Medic Scout
Rebel Legion (Nar Shaddaa Base) Members:
Marlyn Ciesla – Rebel Fleet Trooper
Special thanks to Mark's 2 sons for sweating it out as our Jawas for the day! You guys were great!
You're not kidding! Mark's quick-witted comments were abolutely hilarious!