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While her friends were out playing on the playground huddled in little groups, whispering to each other about how "icky" boys were, 6-year-old Megan Hammons sat in a room being bombarded with radioactive beams.
During some of the most important years of her life, while other children her age were throwing water balloons, swimming and, in general, being children, Megan was undergoing a bone marrow transplant.
Two years ago, when she was only 4, Megan was diagnosed with leukemia. Since then, she has undergone multiple treatment methods, including radiation, chemotherapy and transplantation of bone marrow.
Leukemia is the number one cause of death in children under the age of 14. But thanks to research projects and donations, the death rate among children has dropped dramatically in the past 20 years.
Megan is now in remission and is attending school in Indianapolis.
On June 20, Christopher Brandt will take part in the "Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon," in Anchorage, Alaska. The event benefits the Leukemia Society of America.
Every member of the Team in Training Program, which prepares the runners for the 26.2-mile marathon, sponsors a child with leukemia. Megan is Brandt's honoree.
"The Hammons family has experienced a tremendous amount of pain and uncertainty in the last two years," said Brandt, "but they are thankful that Megan is still with them."
Brandt and his wife, Katie, were both raised in Warsaw but are now living in Indianapolis. Their parents, Willard and Cheryl Brandt and Mike and Penny McCaffrey, are still Warsaw residents.
Brandt graduated from Warsaw Community High School in 1991, where he was a four-year letterman in swimming.
"The hardships and challenges Megan has had to deal with have made her a very strong-willed and determined little girl," said Brandt.
He realizes that no matter how difficult the training for the marathon is, it does not compare to the "struggles that Megan and other children overcome on a daily basis battling this disease."
Brandt is still accepting donations from individuals and corporations. Anyone interested in sponsoring him can send checks to "The Leukemia Society" to Chris Brandt, 5726 Port Lillian, Apt. B, Indianapolis, IN, 46224.
Brandt encourages anyone with questions to call (317) 248-0675 or visit the Team in Training's website at www.lsa-teamintraining.org.
