I Don't ♥ Cancer » Nick Bionda

December 30, 2010

Nick Bionda — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:49:44 +0000

After today’s checkup, we are pleased to find that the lymph node in question has NOT increased in size! We will continue to watch it with routine checkups. Thank you so much to everyone for your all your support!

9-23-10 Update

Nick Bionda — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:16:48 +0000

We are happy to report that the mono test came back POSITIVE! Just to be clear, Zak does NOT currently have mono. Mono can be detected in your system for months after the virus subsides. He was tested back in August, but it came back negative. It is common to get a “false negative” for mono. As strange as this may sound, this is wonderful news!!!!! We will know more after Thursday’s ultrasound.

Thank you for all your well wishes!!!

9-16-10 Checkup

Nick Bionda — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:46:10 +0000

Yesterday Zak went for a routine checkup for a CT scan, blood work and check up. Although the news we received wasn’t horrible, it wasn’t what we were hoping for either.

The CT scan showed an enlarged lymph node behind one of the muscles on the right side of his neck. About 3 weeks ago, Zak had a virus that warranted a trip to the doctor. At that time, he was tested for strep and mono. Both came back negative. Apparently, it is common to get a “false” negative for mono. The virus actually stays in your system for quite some time even after the symptoms subside.

On Saturday, Zak will be tested again for Mono. IF it comes back positive this time, there is a good chance the enlarged lymph node may be a result of the Mono virus. In addition to being tested for Mono again, he will also go back in 2 weeks for an ultrasound of the lymph node with the hopes that it has shrunk. IF the Mono test comes back negative and the lymph node did NOT get any smaller, it will need to be removed immediately and sent to pathology.

Zak’s St Baldrick’s Day Speech

Nick Bionda — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:33:33 +0000

Zak gave a speech to the student body at McHenry West high school during the St Baldrick’s head shaving event. He was nervous but yet very courageous to talk to his peers about his experience and how important early detection is. He did a great job and we are very proud of him for doing this! Click below to see the speech:

Zak’s St Baldrick’s Speech

Helping Others

Nick Bionda — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:43:31 +0000

As you all know, cancer is a battle that is very difficult if not impossible to fight alone. Here is a story of a 35 year old man that is facing this disease after losing his job and with no insurance. A benefit is being held in his honor, details in the story.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbieber/4333184335/sizes/l/

Zak’s Ride Gets “Pimped”!

Nick Bionda — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:52:50 +0000

So Zak bought himself a truck as a pretty much stock 1997 F150 Extended Cab. Through the Make-a-wish foundation, he was granted a “Wish” and decided to have his truck “Tricked”.

Here’s what he had done: Running Boards, Running Lights, Stereo w/ Subwoofer, Blue Tooth, Remote Start, Decal on Back Window, Chrome 20 Inch Wheels and Tires, Tonneau Cover, Extensive Body Work/Paint, Full Detail, Dual Exhaust and LAMBORGHINI DOORS!

A HUGE shout out to Exclusive Auto in Fox Lake for doing the work and to Kristi, our Make-a-Wish Coordinator! We love you guys!

www.wish.org

www.xclusiveauto.com

Another MAJOR Milestone

Nick Bionda — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:56:50 +0000

Zak got his driver’s license today! Look out world!

MCHS 2009 Football Awards Night

Nick Bionda — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:09:45 +0000

Last night we went to the 2009 MCHS Football awards night. As a Sophmore, Zak received his minor “M” this season. Each of the boys on the team were announced by name in alphabetical order, and we were told what award each was receiving as they walked across the stage’ but the audience was asked to hold their applause to the end to keep things moving. Zak was the second to last to be announced (Woods, a name that almost always guarantees a last or near last place in alphabetical order), and against Coach Beagle’s instructions, the audience surprised Zak and us with a roaring applause! The poor guy after him didn’t stand a chance! The evening then went on with more awards, with the majority of the time being spent on the Varsity team.

At the end of the evening, coach Cooper came to the podium to make a special announcement. He proceeded to talk about the many injuries, trials and tribulations the Sophomore team had to overcome this year “…not only did these boys have to deal with injury, but two with open heart surgery and one with cancer.” After some very kind words about Zak’s character, coach Cooper asked us to come to the stage to accept a gift from the efforts of the boys participating in the head shaving and the lift-a-thon event. Teary eyed and humbled, we made our way to the stage to accept this gracious offering. Traci gave a wonderful and very poised “Thank You” speech and then was surprised yet again when Zak came to the podium after her to thank his teammates, coaches and friends for their support and concluded with “…and I would also like to thank my Mommy for her support, I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Jolly-Pa-Looza, another fundraising event

Nick Bionda — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:56:24 +0000

We wanted to let all of our friends know that the Walla-Pa-Looza organization will be putting on another “Musical Fundraising Event” to benefit cancer awareness, research and patients called Jolly-Pa-Looza! The event will feature 3 bands: Blush, Bony Knees and Always Frantic as well as food, drink, silent auctions and … A MEAT RAFFLE!

Also if you are not friends with Walla-Pa-Looza on FACEBOOK, then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Join the other over 1,000 fans!

From the folks that brought you Walla-Pa-Looza comes THE event of the Holiday Season:

Jolly-Pa-Looza!

♪ ♫ 3 Bands ♫ ♪

Bonny Knees

Blush

Always Frantic

Pizza by Halftimes, Beer and Beverages available for purchase at the event

• Meat Raffle • 50/50 • Silent Auctions •

for details: www.walla-pa-looza.org

What: Jolly-Pa-Looza 2009, A musical fundraising event to benefit Cancer awareness

When: Saturday December 5th, 2009. 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Where: Johnsburg Community Club at 2315 W. Church Street in Johnsburg, IL

Follow Up Testing Tomorrow

Nick Bionda — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:07:56 +0000

Well at this point, Zak’s chemo sessions have been completed. Tomorrow (Wed, Oct 28th) he will go back for follow up testing to hopefully get the all-clear. We will have the results the following day Thursday, October 29th. Keeping MANY fingers crossed.