Four Young Leukemia Patients Inducted into National Soccer Hall of Fame's Walk of Fame

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Tuesday, 18 November 2003

Jackson Alea, Nickolaus Bedwell, Christopher Melkonian and Brandon Zammit have loved soccer so much, they didn't let anything stand in the way of the game - including their battle with leukemia. In an everlasting tribute to their bravery and strength, the four were inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame's Walk of Fame on Friday, Nov. 14.

The tribute to these brave children was part of the U.S. National Soccer Players Association's Time In program, launched in collaboration with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the association's charity of choice. Sadly, Jackson lost his battle last November at the age of six; Nickolaus lost his battle this July at the age of four.

"The Walk of Fame program is an extension of our players' commitment to helping children through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society," said U.S. National Soccer Players Association Acting Executive Director Mark Levinstein. "The players believe that the brave children with blood cancers who do not lose their dignity but fight until the fight is won or until they can fight no longer are the true heroes whose stories should be told."

The program raises awareness about leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma by telling the stories of exceptional soccer fans like these four boys.

"The Time In program reminds us all of the remarkable bravery of the children battling cancer," said Dwayne Howell, President and CEO, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. "We are grateful to the U.S. National Soccer Players Association for sharing the lives of these extraordinary children and raising awareness about blood cancer."

Representing the U.S. Soccer Players at the event was DC United midfielder Ben Olsen, who gave a speech honoring the Time In members.

Jackson Alea

Jackson was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL) at 17 months and underwent a three-year, two-month treatment regimen. "I remember one day during a particularly rough round of chemo, Jackson, his two brothers and I were outside playing freeze tag when all of a sudden we heard, 'Time out! Time out!'" explained Jackson's mom, Peggy Alea. "We looked up to see a bald little Jackson run over to the bushes, throw-up a couple of times, then come running back yelling, 'Okay, time in!' That's Jackson."

It was Jackson's story, in fact, that inspired the name of the Time In program. Jackson's family attended Friday's induction with the families of the three other boys who were honored. The boys' names were engraved on bricks that were placed into the Walk of Fame.

"The loss of Jackson has impacted our family so profoundly," said Peggy. "We feel the world has lost out on knowing what an amazing soul our son is."

The Time In program is important because it raises much-needed awareness about blood cancer, she said, adding, "Through the program, people are going to see the wonderful lives we're losing to these horrible cancers."

Nickolaus Bedwell

Nickolaus was sick more than he was healthy. When he was 26 months old, he developed a cold that would not go away. When he fell from his parents' new chair, a purplish-blue bruise appeared that seemed too dark and large for a small fall. He was fatigued and slept for long periods of time and eventually turned pale.

His parents took him into their physician's office and waited while Nickolaus underwent blood tests. After a few hours, the doctor told them that either Nickolaus was very ill or his machine was broken. They immediately took their son to the Cancer Clinic, where further tests showed Nickolaus had more than 257,000 white blood cells. "His bone marrow was so packed with cells that it was literally trying to push his bones apart,' his father, Ron Bedwell, recalled.

While in remission for 22 months following his initial diagnosis and treatment, Nickolaus refused to be sidelined by his illness. He was never officially on a soccer team, but he attended his brother's practices. During games, Nickolaus would follow his father, a coach, up and down the sidelines, getting run over sometimes when the ball switched directions. But Nickolaus didn't mind the collisions, because he felt like he was helping.

"This honor means so much to our family," Ron explained. "Soccer is a big part of our lives and was Nickolaus' favorite sport. Now Nickolaus' memory will live on at the Walk of Fame, honoring the proud and fearless life he lived and the strength and courage he showed everyone who met him."

Brandon Zammit

Brandon played his first soccer game last September. As a member of The Sharks, Brandon's love for the sport grew immediately, and he couldn't wait to play again. But in the days after Brandon's first experience on the soccer pitch, he complained of persistent leg pain, which was the first indication of what doctors diagnosed as ALL. Before Brandon would be allowed to play in his second soccer game, he had a long road to recovery ahead of him.

By the time his treatment is complete, Brandon will have undergone steroid treatment, chemotherapy, more than 20 spinal taps and numerous blood draws.

"Brandon loves soccer, and it has provided a wonderful way for him to channel his energy and provide a distraction to his leukemia treatment," said Brandon's mother, Cindy Zammit. "Our family is honored to have Brandon's battle recognized. The induction ceremony and the Walk of Fame brick with Brandon's name on it will create lasting memories for years to come."

Cindy added that she was thrilled to see the U.S. National Soccer Players Association join the Society to help raise awareness about cancer and ultimately find cures.

Christopher Melkonian

Last October, Christopher came home from school one day with a low-grade fever, a swollen wrist and an infected bug bite. His parents brought him to a doctor, and the blood work came back normal.

A few days before Christopher's sister's birthday, the family took a trip to Baltimore to watch the MISL Baltimore Blast play. During the indoor soccer game, Christopher developed another low-grade fever and was experiencing floating pain. The following morning, one of his hands was swollen. His parents brought Christopher to the pediatrician, who immediately sent them to Children's Hospital. Christopher was diagnosed with ALL and was admitted to the hospital without delay.

"We are very thankful for this honor," said Christopher's mother, Darlene Melkonian. "This past year has been so difficult for Christopher, physically and mentally. But the kids in this battle are determined to win. Just like in soccer, we don't know what the outcome will be, but we will fight and score as many goals as we can."

In addition to the Time In program, the U.S. National Soccer Team Players Association members support the Society through personal appearances at Society events and speaking engagements in classrooms through the Society's School & YouthSM Programs.

About Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma

Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are cancers that originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues as the result of an acquired genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell, which in turn becomes malignant and multiplies continuously. This abnormal accumulation of malignant cells interferes with the production of healthy blood cells.

Leukemia is the leading cause of disease-related death in children under the age of 15. The most common form of leukemia in children is ALL. Advances in treatment have increased survival for ALL from 4 percent in 1960 to 85 percent in 1999.

Although often thought of as exclusively affecting children, leukemia is actually far more common in older adults - half of leukemia cases occur after the age of 64.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United States, and its age-adjusted incidence increased 71 percent from 1975 to 2000. Hodgkin lymphoma has a high incidence among adolescents and young adults. As a result of advances discovered through research, however, Hodgkin lymphoma now has five-year relative survival rates of more than 84.

Eighty percent of myeloma cases occur in people over age 60. Americans of African descent have a much higher incidence compared to those of European descent. Incidence rates in men are 50 percent higher than in women. While survival has increased five-fold between 1950 and 1999, the rate of survival is still only 31.5 percent today, making myeloma the most difficult blood cancer to treat successfully.

About the Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®, headquartered in White Plains, NY, is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has provided nearly $360 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers. Last year alone, the Society provided $40.1 million for research and made more than 445,000 patient contacts through services provided at its Home Office and by its 62 chapters nationwide.

For more information about blood cancer, visit www.LLS.org or call the Society's Information Resource Center (IRC), a call center staffed by social workers, nurses and health educators who provide information, support and resources to patients and their families and caregivers. IRC information specialists are available at (800) 955-4572 from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, or to contact Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, see their website at: www.leukemia.org