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Walt Disney once said, "It is kind of fun to do the impossible." As gold is the color that represents Childhood Cancer, a Golden Child is currently receiving treatment for Childhood Cancer. That child has an exceptional attitude and is fighting cancer like a true warrior! A Golden Child does what others, especially adults, believe to be impossible - take whatever life deals them, and handle it with the grace that would wow even Walt!
Golden Child Nomination
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Zackary Adamsky
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Zackary Robert Adamsky entered this world on October 14, 2005, as the precious son of Andrea and Wally Adamsky. Zack was born with a wisdom wise beyond his years, and subsequently faced health problems that no adult could soldier through more valiantly. Zack was diagnosed with Costello Syndrome in 2006. Costello's is a multiple congenital malformation. Only 300 people in the world have Costello's. As a result, Zack was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma of the abdomen and lung on May 9, 2007. He was subsequently treated with chemotherapy and radiation at A.I. Dupont Children's Hospital in Wilmington, DE. He spent the last 18 months of his life there, except for three short weeks, when he was able to come home to NEPA. Of course, Zack was the ambassador of AI. His smile warmed the hearts of all who knew him, especially his family, including his Gigi and wonderful godmother, godfather, aunts, uncles, and cousins. And, his doctors - Dr. Thomas, Dr. Powell, Dr. Walter, Dr. Strasser, and Dr. Baffa. Also, his nurses, the child life staff, his therapists, other warriors who crossed his path, and friends from Northeast PA to South Delaware. You get the picture - "Zackie" was an amazing person.
Zack loved to roam the halls of AI with his mom in his wagon or Zackmobile. He also adored Spongebob. Lots of other people knew Zack was amazing, and wanted even more people to know, too. So, Zack was honored by many organizations, from Jermyn to Wilmington, including Ride 4 Diane and The B+ Foundation: LiveLikeAndrew. He is also featured on the cover of a publication by Alex's Lemonade Stand. The Candlelighters visited Zack each week with new balloons, and he had a string of "Beads of Courage" that may in fact span the distance between Jermyn and Wilmington! Zack was honored at Cancerpalooza 20, sponsored by Cancertacular™, last summer at Montdale Country Club as an extraordinary survivor. Soon after, he became the second Golden Child to be honored in our neighborhood.
Zack earned his angel wings on September 29, 2008. His family continues to B+ and FROG - Fully Rely On God. In fact, a team is being formed to honor Zack and travel to events in his memory as you read this. |
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Mason Dantone
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Mason Dantone made his worldly debut on January 22, 2004. Mason's weekdays are spent sharpening his already stellar social and scholastic skills at The East Mountain Child Care Center. His downtime is spent at home in Pittston, with Geema Joan Griglock, his gramma and fellow survivor, his buddy Gary Griglock, and devoted Uncles Matthew and Mark Dantone. Frequent visits from his favorite girl Ariana make Mason even happier! They inspire each other. Her picture got Mason through hospital visits at Janet Weiss Children's Hospital in Danville, PA.
Wilms' Tumor is a cancerous tumor of the kidneys that typically occurs in children. Approximately 500 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. annually. Mason's tumor was discovered in the Fall of 2007. Excruciating belly pain caused a visit to the ER, and a quick helicopter ride to Danville. The tumor was removed on October 31, 2007. Mason had several months of chemotherapy, conquering each visit clad in his Spiderman costume. He retired the costume when he rang the "last chemo" bell at Janet Weiss in Spring 2008. Why? "Because my battle is won." His favorite color? "Red. Because it is the first color of the rainbow and Spiderman is red. And, my favorite power ranger is the red power ranger."
Mason's oncologist is Dr. Jeff Taylor. He will see Dr. Taylor every 3 months for the next 2 years, and then every 6 months until he reaches the five year mark - remission! In the meantime, Mason will continue collecting and playing with trains, digging for worms, enjoying orange chicken and lo mein, and, of course, Spongebob. He also aspires to be a train engineer, specifically at Steamtown. Cancertacular™ is honored to have Mason as our First Golden Child. We know that success lies in all of Mason's future endeavors. His smile is infectious and the window to a spectacular soul! |
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This information was gleaned by Tina during a worm digging/pizza party last summer, and an on-line interview. Ariana is Uncle Matthew's girlfriend. She is studying to become a Pediatrician because of Mason's brave battle with cancer. Geema typed Mason's verbatim answers on February 21, 2009. |
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