Nicholas Osborne

Nicholas is a very active six-year-old boy who was diagnosed in January 2002 with ALL. He has responded very well to chemotherapy and will complete his treatment in April 2005! He is looking forward to the day of not having any more pills or getting any more "pokies".

Nick is enjoying his first year of school and making new friends. His kindergarten teacher says he is doing very well. He also likes to play with his little brother, Grant who is four years old. Nick's favorite activity is acting out scenes from some of the cartoons or movies he likes.

Since being diagnosed, Nick's dad, Ronnie, has completed four TNT marathons and is looking for his next event to participate. Nick's entire family, including mom, Janice, and grandparents Everett and Ginger have become very involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by volunteering at various functions.

Dan Herchline

Dan is 16 and was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on January 4, 1999 at the age of 10. He underwent treatment for 3 1/2 years, finished in April 2002, and continues to remain in remission.

Through the past several years, Dan has shown great courage and has not let his illness slow him down. Like his parents, Dan has become active with the Team in Training.

Recently, Dan ran half (13.1 miles) of the Flying Pig marathon in Cincinnati. Dan also enjoys golf and is on his school's golf team. He also hopes to play indoor soccer and tennis. He enjoys video games, being with his friends, and is active in his church youth ministry program.

Casey Rayburn

In August of 1996 Casey Rayburn was diagnosed with Leukemia. At only 21 months, Casey was rushed to the Children’s Medical Center because of a protrusion in her left eye. After days of testing, a full body cat scan revealed that she not only had cancer in her eye, but in her chest as well.

Knowing that Casey had an 84% chance of survival, the Children's Medical Center suggested that she take the most aggressive treatment and started giving her chemotherapy treatments the day she was diagnosed. Casey had two-years of treatment and is now a survivor.

With Casey's determination and dedication to raising awareness, it is no surprise that The Leukemia Lymphoma Society awarded her the 2003 Girl of the Year. In addition to her involvement with The Leukemia Lymphoma Society, she is also a part of the Children’s Medical Center continuing study for Leukemia. When she is not educating others, this girl of the year leads a life of dancing, soccer, and Reds games, probably not even realizing that she has become a great avenue of support for others.

Look for Casey at the Fun in the Sun Kid’s Triathlon…not as a volunteer, but as a participant. Go Casey!!