Six-year-old Nico Castro from San Bruno, Calif.,isn't letting his battle with brain cancer affect his spirit of giving thisHalloween. After his doctor gave him the green light to trick or treat, thanksto a break in his chemotherapy, he was jumping for jack-o-lanterns, what atreat! But here's where it gets tricky.
"Even though he's worse off then some of these other kids inthe hospital, he's worried about them and, oh, they can't go trick or treatingand oh they can't get candy." said Nico's mother, Marlene Castro, in a proudbut somber voice.
This worried little Halloween Hero with a big heart asked hisparents if they could buy costumes and treats for the kids in the cancer ward."I was sad they wouldn't have candy," Nico explained. Marlene and herhusband Raul Castro were moved by his thoughtfulness; however, it would be impossible to buycostumes and goodies for the 50+ sick kids in the hospital. The family took a big financial hit after Nico's diagnosis.
Nico knows what it feels like to have to sit on the sidelines duringthe holidays. Last November, instead of celebrating, he was in the hospital,too ill to take part in the festivities. He was diagnosed medulloblastoma,cancer of the cerebellum. But during this scary time, all he could think aboutwas if he would be healthy enough to celebrate his favorite holiday --Halloween.
So in true superhero fashion, they took action and started acostume drive. "We were so surprised from the support outside of our community.The community really came together packages of costumes are coming fromPennsylvania, Illinois and Texas," said Raul. "The costumes, the littletrinkets that the kids in the beds are getting. Just an instant and it changestheir demeanor and whole attitude about being sick."
Beware: grab a Kleenexbefore watching this Halloween Hero's Story:
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It's amazing to see how the community comes together whenthey're given a healthy dose of inspiration. After meeting Nico, I quickly realized his super hero power isinspiring people to expand their minds, be more compassionate and to open theirhearts.
After an initial call with Nico's mother toset up this shoot, I couldn't help but pitch in. I madesome calls to local businesses and simply told them about Nico's story.Sparky's Balloons in San Francisco, donated the festive bouquet of balloons anda goodie bag filled with spooky toys and trinkets. My good friend, Jessica Change reached out to Daydreams and Nightmares, a local costume shop in Modestothat donated 20 costumes. Green Apple Books in San Francisco donated a $25 gift cardafter hearing that Nico likes to read. Our Facebook friend, Amanda Rivas from San Jose, saw our FB shout out, donated 15 costumes and came along to our shoot to surprise Nico. Thanks Rivas family!
Since my nonprofit, Go Inspire Go bring you stories of everydayheroes, leverages social media to to build community and ultimately inspire action, we had a few tricks up our sleeves -- so I reached out to super mom, Amy Pankratz, founder ofWonder Capes in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. And BAM, she quickly crafted a custom Batman cape for Nico and two other capes for his brother, 11 and sister, 8. I told her that Nico likes Batman because the mask covers his bald head. She told me that made her sad, so she made an extra trip to the fabric store and crafted a mask too.
It is hard to sit back and not take action after meetingthis inspiring family, who embody the real meaning of family, generosity and being present. "If you would have asked me a yearago that my son would be battling brain cancer and I would be going to thehospital daily, I would have never believed it," Marlene explained. "Ironically,every year we would give donations to St. Jude Hospital for sick children."
It's easy to see where Nico got his kindness, compassion andgiving spirit. When you hear of Nico's story, you can't help but reflect onyour own life. As a kid, I thought Halloween was about ghosts, goblins, candyand costumes. But as I get older, I realize that at its core, this hallowedholiday is more about giving, not just with candy, but sharing and revering in theselittle moments with each other.
We grew up on welfare, so buying a cheap $5costume was expensive to us. I have vivid memories of autumn. I can smell of the morningdew on the vibrant leaves that crinkled under my little feet, orange, yellow,brown. My brothers and I were excited for my auntie Hong to get off work and take us costume shopping at the local Thrifty's and Newberry. I remember playing with the flash lights, Halloween Pez dispensers and toys inthe store isles that I would have to put back because we didn't have the moneyto buy them. Still, we were happy because each of us left with a costume.
I never told Auntie Hong how this little gesture and the inexpensive costumes meant the world to us. That's all we cared about. Experiences and connections andsimple acts of generosity are what this holiday is truly about. Ironically,auntie Hong passed away of breast cancer at age 47. I didn't realize it at thetime, but Auntie Hong's kind seasonal act had a profound impact on how I seethe world today. Her kindness was passed along the holiday spirit for many holidays to come. Grown up in an Asian household, my parents didn't understand or celebrate Halloween or may other holidays. So I made a concerted effort to make holidaysa big deal for my younger cousins and now for my nephew and niece. It's inspired me tobe kinder to others, give what I can and to be present and live every day withthe attitude of gratitude all year round. It's interesting how the little moments in life comefull circle. Now that I have a voice and a platform, I'm using it to multiplythe deeds of superheroes like Nico.
Nico has undergone extensive surgery to remove his braintumor, that was about four and a half inches big. Doctors were able to removemost of the tumor from his cerebellum, but couldn't take out the rest of itbecause it was attached to his brain stem. Meanwhile doctor's believe the prognosisis good, but worry about how the treatment will affect Nico's standard ofliving in the long run.
This one's for you Auntie Hong. Nico, my Halloween hero, thank you for your thoughtfulness and allowing me to say thank you to my Auntie by telling your story!
Please don't sit out this holiday. Take action.
Take Action:
Update: Nico has collected 85 NEW costumes & 60 USED costumes!
1.Be a HALLOWEEN HERO: Donations can be made at:
860 San Mateo Ave.
San Bruno, CA 94066
2.Write a letter to a cancer patient to show support.
3.Hug your child or a loved one. Tell them you love them.