Nicholas was diagnosed in February 06' at the age of 2 with Rhabdomysarcoma which is a very aggressive type of pediatric cancer. We had noticed that Nicholas’ eye had started turning inward like a “lazy” eye & we’re a little concerned. We scheduled an appointment with his primary doctor who had referred us to a “specialist” for his eye. We didn'tlike the results from that doctor so we got a second opinion & that’s when they discovered the tumor in the orbit of his right eye. Talk about your world crashing down hard. I couldn't believe what the Neurologist was telling me! Not my son, Not Cancer!!! I’ve never had to deal with anyone with cancer before so this was all new to me! He had surgery in February to remove 50% of the tumor & couldn't remove the rest due to it being wrapped around the muscles of the eye. He was given a protocol of a 42 week chemo schedule with a month long of intense radiation treatments in between.
Through this whole process, he has kept very high spirits. We watched American Idol while in the hospital & Nick had his favorite from the start. Ace played an important role in his life just by taking his attention off of what was going on in the “real” world & has grown to love him!!! His face would just light up when Ace was singing. We’ve spent many nights pulling up info on the computer just so he could “see” his buddy!! We just love the fact that someone like Ace is such a positive role model & does so many wonderful things for children! What a HUGE HEART he has!!! As a “break” we we’re able to go to one of the Idol concerts here in FL. Nicholas wasn't able to go because of his chemo. I wasn't’t able to meet Ace, but was able to get his “package” to him through Claudette Yamin. What a beautiful lady & such a big heart!! We cried together as I told her about Nicholas.
Nicholas was able to get one of his "Pray for Nicholas" wristbands to Ace & loves when he sees pictures of Ace with it on! Just having Ace wear something like this little neon green wristband means more than words can ever say. I can’t even tell you how grateful I am to this wonderful man for being there for my little guy!! I can’t wait for the day Nicholas meets his Idol!! I can’t promise you that I’ll be able to control the crying!! Ace has truly left his mark on Nick’s heart forever!!! Ace has called several times, even with his busy schedule to check on Nick & even sent him one of his beanies signed!! Boy did that make his day!!! ;0)
Nicholas has gotten GREAT news that his tumor is gone, but still has a long way to go. Now they will start working on making his eye better. He will continue treatments of chemo until his protocol is up. He has a total of 42 weeks & is almost done. As of Oct. 16, 2006 he has 5 doses left & will then be “CANCER FREE!!” His battle is a long one & we pray to God everyday for the blessings he has given to us & making this horrible disease go away! We caught this thing early enough that his outlook is GREAT!! The next phase is getting his eye fixed.

This is the most traumatic thing that I would have ever expected to come into my life! I swore that I would stand with God & fight this battle & so far, with the help of my wonderful family & friends & also with some AMAZING people like Ace & his fans we are winning!!! Ace has some of the GREATEST fans in the world!! I cannot express the gratitude for all the love & support & prayers that come from these AMAZING friends!!! I will support anything that Ace stands for!! He has forever earned a place in my family’s hearts!!! I thank God everyday for this Amazing man that has come into my sons life & made it just a little happier!!
Nick and Ace Finally Meet!!!
Boo Bash, Boca Raton, Florida
October 29, 2006
By Crystal Lanza



We were finally given the opportunity to meet Ace and not have Nick’s health be an issue---Ace was coming to our area for a performance, and we thought this would be the best time to get these two together!  My stomach was in knots leading up to this meeting.   I was just so excited that Nick was going to finally meet his idol!!  Nick was excited as well, and I think that’s what made it even more special for me. 

We got to Boo Bash and Nick was so excited he was running around with all this incredible energy!   It was great seeing him like this.  He hadn’t had this much energy in such a long time.  He kept yelling out, “I wanna see Ace”!  After seeing two bands perform before Ace came on stage, Nick was getting really tired.   He was ready to see Ace!   As soon as Ace walked onstage, Nick yelled out, “Look, Mama, there’s by buddy”!!   It was the cutest thing!   I just wanted to cry!  I told him he needed to wave at Ace so Ace would know he was there.    Ace saw Nick and his smile was just priceless!!  Absolutely AMAZING!!

After the show one of Ace’s security guards came out to get Nick.  It was so cute!   He said, “Nick, you must be very important.   Ace wants to see you!”  We walked backstage and he led us down the hall.  We could hear Ace in the room talking.   We walked in (of course I was carrying Nick), and I wasn’t sure how I was going to react.   We would be meeting this wonderful person who had given us more support than he could ever know throughout Nick’s cancer battle.  It was so amazing!  Ace immediately jumped up and came over to us with the HUGE hug!!!  I was bawling!!  I didn’t want to let go!!   Nick was so shy--he would look at Ace and then hide in my arms.  It was cute, but I wanted Nick to run up to Ace.  Ace was wonderful, though, and didn’t want to push Nick into coming to him.   We sat down and showed Ace a few things we had collected during American Idol, and Nick was finally warming up to him a little. 

We went back outside with Ace to see his fans waiting for him.   We were going to leave at this point, but Ace said, “Not yet!  I haven’t gotten my hug yet!”   While Ace was visiting with his fans, Nick was running around like a crazy man!  I loved watching him have so much fun!  And it was amazing watching Ace interact with his fans—he really dedicates time to each and every one!   Finally, Nick wanted to go to Ace!   Ace picked him up and FINALLY got the hug that we were so patiently waiting for!   It was perfect!  He gave him this BIG hug, and then Ace playfully flipped Nick upside down—he LOVED it!!!   We said our goodbyes and thanked Ace for taking the time to meet with Nick.  It was really an amazing experience that Nick will never forget.  He continues to ask for Ace every day:  “Mama, when am I gonna see my buddy?”   Who knows, Baby Boy!  
Photo Credit - Flo
Photo Credits - Flo
God bless you, Ace, for the way you have touched my son’s life.   We will be forever grateful.            Love, Crystal  
Photo Credit - Kara Kinahan (blueyz)