by Mark Huard

In April 2015, at four years old, Nathan (a.k.a. Super Nate) was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a cancerous tumor that grows in the bones or tissue around bones. He immediately began treatment at Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP), which lasted until February 2016. Super Nate’s course of treatment required him to be brave as he endured a lot of testing, a procedure to install a port, an aggressive chemotherapy regimen, and a surgery to remove the tumor along with three inches of three ribs on the right side of his chest.

Treatments were rough on Nathan early on, causing him to lose appetite and weight, develop large blisters on his feet, consistently run fevers (which resulted in ER visits when not already hospitalized for treatments) and eventual hair loss. Accessing and deaccessing Nate’s port was a very traumatic event that was repeated dozens of times throughout the treatment but never got easier. The MCCP team along with the wonderful oncology nurses at The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital (BBCH) and the amazing Child Life Specialists knew how to get smiles out of Nathan on even his worst days.

Dr. Aaron Weiss, Nathan’s primary oncologist, shared a love of Star Wars with Nate, and this would often translate into conversations using Yoda’s voice. Nathan also began to see improvements in his attitude and general health as he took advantage of yoga and music therapy that were offered through MCCP and BBCH. At the same time his parents were implementing a naturopathic approach with the use of essential oils and cannabis tincture in lieu of other chemo side effect drugs.

By the end of the 10-month treatment, Nathan had transformed from a shy, scared, and depressed patient to the mayor of the floor. As his treatments ended he could often be found riding his IV pole around the BBCH inpatient wing like a skate board (until he received a speeding ticket from the Nurse’s station). He loved his Jamie!

Today, six-year-old Nathan is doing great. He just finished kindergarten and is enjoying his summer hanging by the water at Nana’s or Mimi’s house or playing with his big brother, Connor, around the family’s farm house. Super Nate had a blast playing PAL soccer this past spring, and is amazing at drawing and coloring. He is especially excited for winter’s return and more trips up to the ‘Loaf.’

Nathan was asked by MCCP to run the bases at Hadlock Field at a recent Portland Sea Dogs home game as part of the Anthem’s Heroes at Hadlock program, in support of MCCP. It was a very special and memorable event. Super Nate and his family and friends have also taken part in the past two Moonlight Challenges at Shawnee Peak in support of the program.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and gold is the ribbon color in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness.

These were the ingredients young Hailey used to formulate her vision. Hailey and Nathan received treatments at the same time, but Hailey has had to continue through numerous battles with leukemia. Hailey’s medical team decided in April 2017 that there were no additional treatments that she could receive in her condition, and changed her prognosis to terminal. Hailey is still fighting and remaining optimistic. It was around the time of the change in prognosis Hailey decided that Maine should Go Gold. Her mother Tabitha, along with other friends and supporters, have reached out to dozens of communities in an effort to have officials offer proclamations in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The effort is called Go Gold Maine, and the goal is to get 455-plus communities, along with business and other organizations to show support in any way they are able, including hanging gold ribbons, making contributions to deserving organizations and programs, and sharing Childhood Cancer Awareness throughout the month. Support is growing quickly, and September is promising to be a “golden” month. More information about Hailey and her mission can be found at http://haileyhugs.org/.

PRESIDENT’S LIST

Anastasia Paine-Paradis, of Anson, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Communications Technology with a concentration in webmedia program.

Erin Bolduc, of Augusta, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies with a concentration in elementary education program.

Aaron Haynes, of Augusta, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Communications Technology with a concentration in live sound technology program.

Noah Gallagher, of Augusta, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications with a concentration in marketing communications program.

Lelia Belanger, of Augusta, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Biology program.

Arika Brochu, of Augusta, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program.

Nicholas Pelletier, of Bingham, is a first-year student who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Communications Technology with a concentration in video production program.

Cora Gavett, of Chelsea, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program.

Courtney Smart, of Cornville, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Tesla Newell, of Fairfield, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program.

Michaela Sprague, of Jefferson, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) Certification program.

Tamica Day, of Madison, is a graduate student who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Victoria Mullin, of Madison, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.

Kirsten Wood, of Madison, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Human Movement Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Darian Hughes, of Oakland, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program.

Paige Warren, of Oakland, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies program.

Jayme Safford, of Oakland, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies with paralegal certificates in advanced civil practice and advanced criminal practice program.

Kaileigh Lenentine, of Sidney, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies program.

Macy Mansir, of Sidney, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Human Movement Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Christopher Pomerleau, of Sidney, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Human Movement Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Leah Van Horn, of Sidney, E is a graduate student who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Cailee Manzer, of Skowhegan, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies/Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

Natasha Thompson, of Skowhegan, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Sport Management/Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.

Ali York, of Skowhegan, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in financial management and a certificate in sales program.

Autumn Holzworth, of Solon, is a first-year student who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Undeclared program.

Sarah Stevens, of South China, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in financial management/Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.

Ross DeLorenzo, of Unity, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in management program.

Mackenzie Gayer, of Vassalboro, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.

Grace Gould, of Waterville, is a graduate student who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Megan Richards, of Winslow, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Human Movement Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

DEAN’S LIST

MaKayla Leeman of Anson, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Trent Richardson of Anson, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Laurel Whipkey of Augusta, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Human Movement Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Zoe Mather of China, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Human Movement Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Adam Littlefield of Fairfield, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in management program.

Tennyson Martin of Fairfield, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.

Spencer Folsom of Fairfield, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.

Kyleigh Plourde of Jefferson, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) Certification program.

Matthew Soucy of Madison, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies/Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

Devin Campbell of Sidney, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in management program.

David Allen of Skowhegan, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.

Alyssa Doucette of Skowhegan, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) Certification program.

Shayla Pillow of South China, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Human Movement Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Brooke Whitcomb of Unity, is a first-year student who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies/Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

Tasha Dutil of Vassalboro, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies/Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

Meghan Farrell of Vassalboro, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies program.

Adam Pelletier of Vassalboro, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a graduate certificate in counterterrorism and security/Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program.

Justine Richardson of Waterville, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Communications Technology with a concentration in video production program.

Michael Quirion of Waterville, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.

Jessica Pare of Winslow, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program.

Michael Strahan of Winslow, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies/Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

Brooke Roy of Winslow, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies program.

HONORS LIST

Taylor Edmondson of Augusta, is a graduate student who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Shaun Gallagher of Augusta, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Communications Technology with a concentration in audio engineering program.

Emily Bowers of Augusta, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Ian Jackson of Bingham, is a first-year student who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Communications Technology with a concentration in audio engineering program.

Alyse Whittemore of Cornville, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.

Jade Landry of Fairfield, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science program.

Owen Freeman of Freedom, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Communications Technology with a concentration in video production program.

Nicholas Maney of Jefferson, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Communications Technology with a concentration in video production program.

Erika Parker of Madison, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program.

Shaylin Gilchrist of Norridgewock, is a first-year student who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Makaela Michonski of Norridgewock, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Human Movement Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Oakley Fortin of Norridgewock, is a first-year student who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.

Mikhaila Necevski of Oakland, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.

Raina Rauch of Palermo, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies/Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

Megan Mahoney of Palermo, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program.

Hannah Stanley of Searsmont, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program.

Anne-Marie Provencal of Skowhegan, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies/Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

Christina Belanger of South China, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Alyssa Willette of Unity, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Justin Martin of Vassalboro, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program.

Jeremy Bishop of Waterville, is a graduate student who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Jonathan Doucette of Waterville, is a first-year student who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Production program.

Kaitlyn Smith of Winslow, is a sophomore who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in management program.

Molly Ware of Winslow, is a junior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Logan Vashon of Winslow, is a senior who is currently enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Human Movement Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy program.