POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Marist baseball team, in conjunction with Team IMPACT, will be holding a "draft day" ceremony for 17-year-old Nick Scianna of Wappingers Falls on Saturday.
Team IMPACT is a non-profit organization based in Quincy, Mass., that matches children who have life-threatening illnesses with collegiate sports teams. In December 2010, Nick was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the most common form of leukemia found in children. Typical ALL treatment consists of a three-phased plan that spans over the course of three-plus years. The first phase of treatment is an in-patient chemotherapy regiment that aims to send a person in to remission within 30-45 days.
Unfortunately for Nick, after spending five months in the first phase, his body did not respond to treatment and he was told he would need a bone marrow transplant. Before the transplant could occur, he needed to bring the number of cancer cells down and it was not until May 2011 that he was able to have the procedure done.
Following the transplant he has had a number of complications, including kidney disease, diabetes, and graft vs. host disease. In May 2012 he was told his body was rejecting the original bone marrow transplant and he would need a second procedure done called a Donor Lymphocyte Infusion, where bone marrow cells are infused from the original donor, acting as a second transplant. With his positive outlook, he is successfully fighting this disease, and has been able to be around the Red Foxes for team-related activities over the next week.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Team IMPACT and welcome Nick to our Marist Family," Head Coach Chris Tracz said. "He has a remarkable story, a strong family and a true toughness that will inspire our team on and off the field. Nick can provide our program with perspective with his life experiences, and we hope to establish a lifelong relationship where we can support and continue to watch Nick defeat ALL."
Marist baseball will tell Nick's story on Saturday and present him with a game jersey and other items to welcome him to the team.
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT's mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing adverse issues and events by establishing and expanding vibrant team-based support networks. The organization endeavors to continually encourage a wide range of team-based organizations to open up their ranks and extend their laughter, strength and support for children facing these adverse issues, and events. Visit Team IMPACT online at: http://www.goteamimpact.org/
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