Many nineteen year-olds may choose to spend their time between classes with friends or nuzzled in their smart phone. We were introduced to one nineteen-year-old choosing to spend his time making a difference for children battling cancer.
At the age of six, Nicholas (Nick) Marriam was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma, which is rare for such a young age. Nick quickly claimed residence behind white sterile hospital walls and endured spinal taps, chemotherapy and many other treatments in what seemed like total isolation. Out of school for two years and missing his friends, interaction with others and all of the activities six year-olds love to do, he was bound to a hospital bed for the fight for his life. That experience had a profound effect on Nick – one that would ultimately affect the lives of many others.
Post treatment, Nick attended a chemotherapy camp where he learned about “Make a Difference Day”. He volunteered for the day, and thought of his own experience and what he would have enjoyed during his time in the hospital. He decided to fill a bag with toys, games and books and hand them out to the children in the oncology unit at the local hospital. Seeing the faces of excitement on the children and the gift of a “break from the day to day treatment”, Nick was inspired to do more. And he definitely did. This one bag of joy has turned into a 501c3 non-profit and is now active in twenty eight states from California to New York. To date the non-profit has distributed over 17,000 bags. Nick and his cousin started the Nickelby project eleven years ago when he was just eight years-old. Now cancer-free and a college student, Nick still donates about twenty hours a week to the Nickelby Project with the goal of bringing a little color to those sterile white walls for those battling some of life’s toughest challenges.
Nick said it best, “One person can make a difference and if you touch just one person – you have made a difference.” Nick, what a difference you have made. We are honored to salute you with our “Great Job” recognition. Thank you for doing such a great job helping others in our community and across the country.
For more information on the Nickelby Project or how to get involved, please contact Nick at Nicholas@nickelbyproject.org
