SUPER SOUTHERN CHILD When Nicholas Marriam was only six years old, he was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma cancer. At an age when most boys are out playing in the yard and rough-housing with their friends, Nick spent two years battling cancer and life threatening complications. He missed two years of school, and even when he was out of the hospital had to be isolated a great deal due to a lowered immune system and the fear of germs. It was a lonely time for him and for his family. At a camp for children who had dealt with cancer he learned about Make a Difference Day (created by USA Weekend Magazine in 1991 to encourage volunteerism.) Nick became motivated by this and his own person experience with cancer to do something for others. He and his cousin, Shelby McKnew, founded The Nickelby Project to reach out to children who are facing a serious illness. The Nickelby Project’s mission is to deliver hope and smile to hospitalized children. Nick’s goal has been to provide gift bags to help ease the fear and loneliness that children with chronic or life threatening illnesses face while in the hospital. When asked how being involved with this project has affected his perspective as a teen, Nick, now 18, said, “I am not sure if doing this project made me any different or changed me in any way. I think I am changed from having cancer and being treated differently when I was younger. I do think that it’s pretty easy to take some time and make a difference to others and I’m not sure why more people don’t. If I could send one message to other teens it would be to take time to volunteer and help others while you have the time. There are needs everywhere, neighbors, friends, or an organization, find something that interests you and give some time.” He went on to say, “I get to meet hundreds of great kids that are wonderful and strong, I am amazed each time I get to visit them and give the gift bags, I feel like the one that is getting the gift.” In 2008 Nick met President George W. Bush and awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Paul Newman also awarded Nick a $10,000 donation to the charity of his choice (Nick chose to spilt the donation between Washington Children’s Hospital and Camp Friendship.) The Nickelby Project has grown to include not only the Gift Bag Project, but also now encompasses a Buddy and Hospital Support program
which helps provide items for families that spend a great deal of time at hospitals with their sick children, and a Scholarship program for childhood cancer survivors and adults who plan to go into a Pediatric Oncology field of study. To date, almost 11,000 bags have been distributed. Donations can be made through the website (www.nickelbyproject.org) or by sending a check to Nickelby Project, 289 Reeder Branch Drive, Clayton NC 27520. Submitted by: Michelle Byers Densmore, a freelance writer/ book reviewer and blogger. (Bella Michelle at www.SouthernSomedays.com) 23