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The National Capital Area Chapter proudly announces the 2009 Boy & Girl of the Year! 
Alessandro Valeri was a typical lively and healthy boy and had never had so much as a cold during his first year of life. He was first diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) at the ripe age of 17 months in March, 2002. He spent numerous months at Children's National Medical Center in DC during his three and a half year treatment and then relapsed rather early into chemotherapy treatment at the age of 3 not only in his bone marrow, where the leukemia was initially present but also in his central nervous system. On January 12th, 2004, Alessandro underwent his bone marrow transplant. Yet, the worst had just begun. Unfortunately, about five months after transplant, he developed chronic, extensive graft-vs-host disease, mostly limited to the skin, with some liver involvement, which has continued to be very challenging to manage despite him being on multiple immune suppressive drugs. The wonderful staff at Children's, with their expertise and kindness together with our family and friend's tremendous support and help, made all the difference in the world. We have many funny stories to share during our countless and seemingly endless stays in the hospital. My family became well known by the staff of nurses and doctors for the "restaurant" we had in our hospital room almost every night, sheets spread out on the floor for our picnics, with it's homemade ten-course meals and fragrant aromas wafting out into the halls. Five years have flown by since Ale's transplant. He is finally off all immune suppressive therapy. He is alive and thriving and oh so sociable and entertaining. I had never thought that I would see him go to school and yet he is currently attending first grade and enjoying every moment! He is truly a remarkable young man. 
Megan Avery was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on November 1, 2006 when she was 3 years old. It was a day that changed our lives forever. Megan had been sick for about two weeks with flu like symptoms and a fever that would come and go. We took her to the Shady Grove Hospital ER so we could get every test done we needed all in one place. You never think someone is going to tell you your child has cancer...it's just too rare, it can't happen to you. The ER was crowded that night, so in the middle of the hallway in the ER the doctor told us that Megan had Leukemia. Later that night we were transported to Children's Hospital in DC by ambulance and our 2 ˝ year chemotherapy protocol began the very next morning. Although this has been an incredibly tough time for our family we have learned so much. We have learned how loving, giving and supportive our friends and family are. But mostly we have learned how incredibly brave and resilient Megan has become. She plays, loves, laughs and fights with her big brother and sister just like any normal kid would do!
Here are the previous Boy & Girl of the Year Honorees who have shared their stories with us: 2008 Boy & Girl of the Year Meet the 2008 Boy & Girl of the Year! Click here to see the video. 
On March 24, 2000, at 10 months of age, Hunter Ruderman was diagnosed with AML leukemia. As a result of this diagnosis, Hunter was admitted to the hospital that day and began receiving chemotherapy immediately. After the first round of chemotherapy, Hunter's bone marrow appeared to be cancer free. Unfortunately, before starting the second round, Hunter's cancer returned in his central nervous system. Hunter's doctors believed that the only chance that existed to rid Hunter of the cancer would be to use certain high dose chemotherapy and radiation to completely destroy Hunter's bone marrow and then receive a bone marrow transplant. Due to the strength of the chemotherapy that Hunter received, Hunter's entire immune system was knocked out and numerous organs were stressed. Miraculously, after two weeks in the intensive care unit, Hunter's body began to stabilize. Three weeks after being placed on a ventilator, Hunter began to breathe on his own again and also, while in the intensive care unit, the donated bone marrow began to grow in Hunter's body, cancer free. Hunter has been cancer free since his transplant on July 11, 2000. He is now a happy healthy 8 year old that enjoys playing with his friends, competing in sports and attending school. 
On October 27, 2005, Hannah McNeal was diagnosed with an aggressive form, Acute T Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Once diagnosed, the hospital began chemotherapy treatment immediately. Hannah's body responded to the chemotherapy and on November 23, 2005 Hannah went into remission. The remainder of her treatment was spent trying to keep her in remission and attacking the leukemia cells that still were hiding in her body. Through it all Hannah never once said she didn't want to go to the doctors or the hospital stays. Hannah looked forward to seeing the child-life people at the hospital and the "play-lady" at her doctor's office who provided crafts, movies, games for the kids to keep them occupied during treatment. Hannah now goes to the hospital for monthly visits to receive blood tests to make sure she stays in remission. She loves arts and crafts, golf, ice-skating, roller-coasters, swimming, reading, math and playing with her brothers and friends and the beach.
2007 Boy & Girl of the Year
 In December 2004, Andrew Hughes was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). As a happy-go-lucky three year old, Andrew did not realize the severity of his illness. In fact, to him and his remarkable brother and sister, this was just going to be another "cold" or "boo-boo" that he would fight off. His parents, on the other hand, were rocked by the devastation of hearing their child had a potentially fatal disease. Sensing his "can do" attitude, Mom and Dad took a few cues from Andrew as they spent 2005 battling this dreadful illness. Though it all, however, he rallied like a champ.
Thankfully, Andrew is now in remission. His hair is back, blonde and boyish, his weigh stabilized and for the most part he is back to his old self. He now enjoys playing street hockey with the neighborhood kids, basketball and Star Wars games along with attending kindergarten. Andrew is truly a remarkable and tough kid and he never ever ceases to amaze or inspire those around him. Friendships have grown stronger, families have become closer, and many have realized unconditional true love. All of this, through the eyes and determination of a four year old. 
Faith Froehlich was born on January 29, 2002 in Scottsdale, AZ and has a twin sister named Josephine. Shortly before the twins' second birthday, Faith came down with what was assumed to be a typical childhood bug. When her fever and swollen lymphnodes did not respond to antibiotics, her parents took her back to the doctors' office. After a battery of tests, Faith was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Faith has faced this ordeal with a level of courage and resilience that no one could expect from a child. Her patience and strength throughout these past years continue to amaze her doctors and family. Faith enjoys many things that kids her age do. She loves Dora The Explorer, her heart blanket and her doll "Pink". She enjoys riding her "big girl bike" and scooter, riding on the Metro, going on strolls with mommy, and playing with her sister, friends and two black labs, Kobe and Pepper.
2006 Boy & Girl of the Year 
Brandon Zammit was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in September of 2002 at the age of five. Since then, his cancer treatment involved an intense combination of chemotherapy, spinal taps, pills and blood draws. Brandon tolerated his treatment extremely well and doctors declared him cancer free last November. Since then, Brandon has rejoined his class at Woodfield Elementary. When not in school, Brandon likes to play any sport he has time for. He especially likes baseball and soccer. "To look at him, you'd really never have any idea of what he's been through," said Brandon's mother Cindy. The entire Zammit family is excited to share the story of Brandon's experience with the 2006 Man & Woman of the year canidates. 
Hayden Zavareei was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) in July 2004. Hayden needed a cord-blood transplant from a donor to help her fight her leukemia. Hayden's family went to Duke University in North Carolina so Hayden could have the procedure. She received her transplant in December of 2004. Hayden recently returned from Duke again for a check-up. Her parents were proud to report that there are no traces of Hayden's cancer cells after the trip. December 1st was her 1-year anniversary of successfully fighting her cancer. At a recent Man & Woman event, Hayden learned that a lot of other children her age have blood cancers like hers. After hearing this news, she asked her father, "What can I do to help all those kids?" 2005 Boy & Girl of the Year The National Capital Area Chapter (NCA) has named Christopher Melkonian and Leah Holdcraft as the 2005 Boy & Girl of the Year.  | Christopher was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on October 8, 2002. Christopher relasped in April 2004 and underwent a bone marrow transplant in August 2004. Christopher was fortunate to have his sister, Samantha, serve as his donor. Christopher is doing very well. He is a great soccer player and remains very active. Christopher is excited to be recognized as the Boy of the Year. |
 | Leah was diagnosed at 21 months with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) on Nov. 25, 2001. She went into remission only 14 days after treatment, but unfortunately, she relapsed in May of 2003. In November of 2003 Leah received a bone marrow transplant and is doing well today. She appreciates all the thoughts and prayers that have been with her and her family. Leah loves playing with her two sisters and loves church and Chick-fil-A. |
2004 Boy & Girl of the Year In 2004, all Woman of the Year candidates raised funds in honor of Max Robinson and all Man of the Year candidates raised funds in honor of Caitlin Cramblit. Max was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Caitlin with acute lymphocytic leukemia.  | Max Robinson
On May 10, 2002, Max, at age 5, was diagnosed with pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. That same weekend, Max began chemotherapy and, within a month of treatment, was in remission. Spending his treatment days at Georgetown University Hospital, Max passed the time drawing and exploring his artistic side. Within the past year, he has returned to his active lifestyle, beginning fencing lessons and, along with his older brother Andrew, learning to ski. Today, Max is a happy first grader who loves playing with 8-year-old Andrew, his friends Toree and Noah and anything Batman.
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 | Caitlin Cramblit
On Dec. 2, 1999, when she was two, Caitlin was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Seven days after the start of her treatment, she went into early remission but endured another two years of chemotherapy, spinal taps and bone marrow aspirations. By January 2002, Caitlin had met all of her milestones and completed an intense treatment. Caitlin is now an energetic first grader who enjoys dancing and will participate in a national competition this summer. She also loves coloring, playing soccer and playing with her younger sister, Callie. |
2003 Boy & Girl of the Year
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