It was a typical fall afternoon on the soccer field, as children of all ages raced feverishly between the soccer goals. On one sideline, Justin Markowitz, 6, was sitting in his mother's lap, wrapped tightly in her arms. Having just completed a brutal 8-week round of chemotherapy, Justin felt too unsteady, too sick to join his teammates and play the game he loved. But just as Justin and his parents were getting comfortable with the notion that, for the time being, Justin wouldn't be able to do what "regular" kids could, coach David Meline approached and stretched out his hand. "Come on buddy," he said, "the team needs you." Adrenaline shot through Justin's body, sending his feelings of pain and fear packing. In a move as smooth as a Maradona header, Justin cast his mother's arms aside, adjusted his cap, took David's hand, ran onto the field, and played his big heart out.
Health & Fitness
