" I am just a regular 5 year old kid who wants to run and play. Chemotherapy has not been all that bad, but there were times it made me very sick. I am not afraid of going to the doctor. My mom say's I am a stronger kid for what I have gone through. Most kids I know just play cars and fight and call each other names. I am happy to have my friends. I don't like to fight... only play fight. That's fun!"

A little about me...

Hi! My name is Thomas aaron. I am 5 years old. I am a 5 1/2 year old boy who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when I was 22 months old. I completed my 2 1/2 years of chemo on February 7, 1999. Some of my hobbies and interests... are playing hockey and soccer.

Information about my illness...

In 1996, when I was 2 years old, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. I was treated at The Montreal Childrens Hospital, Quebec, Canada. I had chemotherapy.

My words to others...

My suggestions to other survivors are... It is a very good feeling to have gone through all of this hard treatment and doctors visits, and to be well. I know I am special. I am lucky.

The most important lesson I learned from my experience is... That it is not always easy to just go out and play with my friends whenever I want. I am so happy when I am outside and I feel free. I wasn't always able to just go out like my friends did. This made me sad. I watched them from my screen door and when they came close sometimes I had to wear a mask. Now I am well enough to play. My mom told me that I don't take playing outside with my friends for granted.,, but I'm still not sure what that means.

A positive outcome from my experience is... I am not afraid of doctors visits. I am not afraid of leg pokes. I love the trees and the wind. Bugs are the best fun to watch. I love to ride my bike up and down my driveway. My mommy loves my hair.

" I learned about my leukemia on July 6, 1996. I feel really good today, even though the medicine sometimes made me sick. I figured that it was doing it's job."