Brandon Nichols: How one life touches the world to make a difference

Carol Forsloff - Brandon
Nichols has been diagnosed with Stage IV Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. Lymphoblastic
Lymphoma is a rare form of aggressive Non- Hodgkin Lymphoma.   His life touches those of more than just known friends and family for many reasons.




Ordinarily Brandon Nichol's illness might mean something only to those who know him or are close to the family, but as
one death touches another, this news is significant beyond his personal
group.

Nichols
is 24 years old and a recent graduate of University of Arkansas Little
Rock.  He has started on a new medication called Gleevec.  A second
opinion will come at MD Anderson where he has an appointment for an
evaluation/assessment of status and treatment from what is regarded as a
flagship facility for cancer patients.

Sherri
Bice Nichols-Schneider has initiated a prayer group for her son on
Facebook, and it is that action that reveals what the story of Nichols
might say in all its dimensions.

Facebook
has recently been cited as a place where bullying happens, and like Twitter can be used to hurt, as it potentially caused Tyler Clementi, a young gay
man at Rutgers University,  to commit suicide after his sexual life was plastered all over
social media  by two young people seeking attention in negative
ways.  Because of that, many people question social media and the harm
it can cause.  What is forgotten, however, is the significant good that
comes from having a reach far beyond one's initial social contacts.
This is what can happens for Nichols, a significant good that can potentially save his life.

With
the knowledge about the nature of Brandon Nichols' illness and the
extension of prayer and how it can help, the cause is multiplied by
many.  One hand touches another; one heart offers words of hope and
compassion to another, and there are positives from the increase of
knowledge and support.  Science in integrative oncology tells us that
social support at a time of crisis like cancer can
make a difference in medical outcomes.  It can also make a difference
in how families can cope with the stress of it as well.

There
is also the act of praying itself, which some people believe can make a
difference, although recent scientific studies reveal that it shows
more about the religious positions of the scientists than the fact that
prayer actually works.  On the other hand, those of faith maintain it
provides a solace for the patient knowing that others care and is part
of the emotional support doctors say is needed to get
well.

Lymphoblastic
lymphoma is described as very aggressive type of lymphoma that grows
quickly and is able to spread rapidly to different parts of the body
that mostly affects young people in their late teens or early twenties.
It is more common in men than in women. The symptoms can be severe and
lead to breathing problems.

A
number of patients achieve cure after chemotherapy. The cure rate for
adults is 45 to 55%.   and for children approximately 80% according to medical studies.

Social
support from places like Facebook verifies what social scientists
maintain is the family role and the role of the community.  "Social
support is: "having friends and other people, including family, to turn
to in times of need or crisis to give a person a broader focus on a
problem and positive self-image."It can be Facebook and prayer for Brandon Nichols.