I met a little warrior on Friday. Young in years, but seasoned in his fight against cancer. He’s part of a team I’m working with to create a public service announcement between Johns Hopkins and DC United, the pro soccer team here in the District. They’ve come together to create a program called “Red Card Cancer.”
Looking at this little guy with his big brown eyes and a smile that could melt your heart, no one could tell he has cancer. He looks like a happy, healthy preteen. He’s got a personality to match too. He had me at “hello.” His dad was with him and you could feel their strong connection. Father and son, great buddies, and something even more special…they are in this fight together.
The soccer players signed a ball for this little warrior and they even signed the jersey he was wearing. There were smiles all around. But I just couldn’t stop thinking about what this little man has already gone through in his young life. Strong, serious treatments, scary times in the hospital, big machines and IV poles that make grown men weak.
He’s just a boy.
A warrior/boy.
August 31, 2011 @ 8:42 am
I have a nephew who died of leukemia just recently, it’s a thousand times more devastating to lose a child to cancer. He was just another warrior boy. I hope your little warrior makes it through.
August 31, 2011 @ 8:14 am
In soccer, when a player gets a “red card” he or she is ejected from the game. Let’s Red Card Cancer out of this world.
August 30, 2011 @ 12:56 am
Laurie, your have such insight, your words always seem to connect to someone. It’s scary, it’s heartbreaking and even little warriors need an army, I am glad you were able to touch another soul. Lifting Laurie….for you, your warrior and to all of those out there struggling with the unknown! Love and hugs….
August 29, 2011 @ 7:19 pm
It’s just not fair for anyone to have cancer but when it’s a child it’s even more heartbreaking. They haven’t had time to experience much of the good that life has to offer but they have had to endure life at it’s worst. There is a small boy from my area that has been taken to Hopkins for treatment and he is obviously fighting the battle of his young life. I don’t personally know this little guy but cancer bonds us. Laurie,if you are there and have time to stop by his name is Trent Williams…I would imagine a friendly face in that overwhelming atmosphere would be a welcome sight to his family. No child should have to go through this.
August 29, 2011 @ 6:04 pm
It seems so much harder when it’s a child. All the things that they will not be able to do.. But I guess every journey is uni que and that is all they know. My heart goes out to that Little Warrior.