By: Karenlyn Barone
During the exam, the school physician noted a swelling on the left side of Nick's neck. Within a week, Nick had had a biopsy done on the mass, and was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's T-cell lymphoblasmic lymphoma. Within two weeks, he underwent his first chemotherapy session.
Next Tuesday, the East Rockaway School District will hold a blood drive in Nick's honor. He knows he is beginning the most important journey of his young life, and the people of East Rockaway are determined to make sure he doesn't walk alone.
"Everyone has been so good and caring," said Nick. "They are coming at me with open arms."
According to Nick's father, Tom, his son was non-symptomatic and felt fine until he took his physical. "His neck was a little swollen, but I never thought anything of it - certainly not this," said Tom. "Luckily, he only had it a couple of weeks, but it is stage 3, a very aggressive form of cancer."
Nick's first chemotherapy session was Sept. 26. "Initially there was a lot of anger," said Tom. "I didn't believe it. My whole world stopped, and I was in total disbelief. I kept thinking they had the wrong kid."
Tom explained that things got better once they had a game plan. The doctors at Schneider Children's Hospital planned a year of chemotherapy and other aggressive treatments. By all accounts, Nick is already responding well.
One of the most difficult things the family had to do was tell the school. Tom and Nick went in together, and home tutoring was arranged. They also spoke with Athletic Director Dom Vulpis, who has been a source of comfort as well as a great resource for the family. "We mentioned that Nick might need blood transfusions as the treatment moves forward, and suggested a blood drive," said Tom. "Mr. Vulpis contacted the PTAs, and before we knew it, a blood drive was set up in Nick's name."
Vulpis said he wanted to help in any way he could and he thought the blood drive was a great suggestion. Wanting the drive to run flawlessly, he called in Carol Hernandez, president of the Special Education PTA and a liaison to the district's three other PTAs. "When Mr. Vulpis asked me, I knew it was the right thing to do," said Hernandez, who works as an aide at East Rockaway High School. "Nick is a great kid. I wanted to help."
A champion of various causes and a skilled event organizer, Hernandez had fliers made and distributed, got permission to use the school gym and scheduled the blood drive for next Tuesday. The consensus was that because it's Election Day, many people will be home from work, thus increasing the availability of potential donors.
Although he has a full day of treatment planned, Nick is planning to be at the blood drive in the afternoon. "I'm going to be there," he said. "I'm so excited about it." Seeing the blood drive as a way to give back, he added, "I hope everyone comes to the blood drive and gives to help those in need."
Nick has a huge spirit, and friends and family are making every effort to keep it from faltering. His school friends have sent stacks of cards and made reassuring phone calls, and took part in a special surprise that Vulpis arranged for Nick. "Nick's favorite NFL player is Michael Vick of the Atlanta Falcons," explained Vulpis. "We got him a Michael Vick jersey, and all the students in the school signed it as a show of support."
"Mr. Vulpis is incredible," Nick said. "He got me that jersey, and he's been so nice. I really appreciate it. Everybody has been great!"
Vulpis said that the school has also ordered the popular yellow "Live strong" bracelets, which will be distributed to students and worn in honor of Nick. "He will not go through this alone," Vulpis said.
Nick's mother, Doreen, is overwhelmed by the support for her son. "I am very surprised how much all the kids and teachers love him." she said. "This is a very small town, and now he is so popular. People even stop me in the grocery store to ask how they can help."
Tom is grateful for the support, and recognizes that it has had an impact on his son - very likely on his will to fight. "All this gives Nick inspiration," Tom said. "As bad as this experience has been, there is something good that is coming out of it."
"I want everyone to know I'll be all right," Nick said. "It'll just take some time."
The blood drive is scheduled for 12 noon to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2, in the East Rockaway High School gymnasium. Information is available from Carol Hernandez at (516) 837-9234. If you have questions about whether you can be a donor, call Regional Blood Services at (800) 688-0900.
Comments about this story? KBarone@liherald.com or (516)-569-4000 ext. 202.
