Andrew Dichiara Jr.
Age: 13
William T. Rogers
Kings Park, New York

On the Road to Recovery
My brother Andy Jr. was diagnosed with Leukimia September 18, 2997, he was only 10 years old. After two and a half years of Chemo Therapy, Andy Jr. relapsed. The doctor told my mom and dad he had to have a bone marrow transplant. After testing my family, I turned out to be his perfect match. All Andy could think about was getting back on the court playing basketball.

When Andy was first diagnosed he had a lot of hospital stays, some were very long. My dad asked my brother what he could get him and all he wanted were basketball posters, so my dad bought him posters of basketball stars, like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter. He had the coolest room in the hospital, everything in his room had to do with basketball. My dad said that God and his love for the game will pull him threw this. While receiving Chemo Andy still managed to play on a Suffolk County P.A.L. team and also received a trophy form his team for outstanding courage in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. We were so proud of him that day.

June 13, 2000 at 12:30 while I was in the recovery room, Andy was upstairs in his special room getting his new bone marrow. My dad said that even in his weak condition he was twirling a small sponge basketball in his hand. Later the doctor asked Andy who was a better basketball player you or your sister Jennifer? So Andy said Jennifer because she plays on the high school basketball team since she was 12 years old in 7th grade. He really made me feel good saying that.

While Andy has many obstacles and restrictions he continues to do good in school work with his home tutoring. He is also on the school honor roll. My mom and dad said that I am a hero, but looking at what my brother has gone through he inspires me to be a better player, Andy is the real hero. I hope to see his name in lights playing basketball one day. That is why I nominate my brother.