When Addison Marshall was in third grade, he tried out for Peewee Football. During the initial evaluation process, one of the coaches questioned him about how he had learned to tackle. Addison smiled and responded, “My big brother beats me up so I tackle him and it’s fun.” So began his pursuit and passion in playing football. Since that time, Addison has played football every year until May 2009 when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at the age of fifteen. Addison is currently undergoing treatment at MD Anderson, a process that will span three years and the rest of his high school career. Upon the recent completion of the first eight months of treatment, a critical and severe phase of the process, Addison has passed with flying colors. With a boost of confidence from that success, Addison has informed his Oncology Team that he will suit up and play Spring Football alongside his team at Foster High School. His doctor explained that doing so would require the removal of the port, which was implanted to receive chemo, necessitating a return to IV’s for treatment and more frequent blood work. Addison agreed and was given the green light to play. Addison’s mother Val said to the doctor, “Don’t I get a vote in this?” She was told, “Addison needs to return to as normal a life as possible and the conditioning that he has continued throughout these past eight months has produced a higher quality of life and emotionally has equipped him with the spirit to continue his cancer journey.”

Scott Lionberger, Addison’s Offensive Line Coach states, “Addison continues to amaze his coaches with the work he does in our off season program. He is preparing himself for spring football, with great determination. Sometimes I worry about him lifting a lot of weight or squatting too much and he shrugs me off, and says ‘I can do it’ and then he does it. The illness has not had any effect on his work ethic from last year to this year. I think that speaks volumes about his character and his will to succeed at football through hard work. “

During his weekly visits to MD Anderson, it is not unusual to see Addison using the computer to complete his homework. With the support of his dedicated teachers at Foster, he has maintained an A-B report card even while missing several days of school each week.

The Richmond-Fulshear-Katy area has rallied around this family during their hour of need while the Marshall family looks forward to the day that they can pass the baton of caring to the next family facing the fight of their life. The Foster Pal’s collected DVD’s for MD Anderson at Christmas after helping the Marshalls with housework, while the Cinco Ranch Drill Team delivers meals to the Marshalls on clinic days. The Pecan Grove Gators and ROTC sold WE R MARSHALL bracelets throughout football season. The Sweet Tooth Shop has adopted the Marshalls and held fundraisers that have filled their souls with a sweetness that they can never repay. Faith United Methodist has stood faithful with prayers and fundraisers for this very appreciative family. Numerous blood drives have been set up to provide for any need Addison may have in the future for blood transfusions. There has also been tremendous support from friends and family from the Bear Creek area and Mayde Creek High School, an area of town where the Marshalls lived when they moved to Houston after Hurricane Katrina. According to Addison’s mom, “One of the many concerns you have when your child is diagnosed with cancer is that he will be isolated and forgotten as cancer can be an incredibly lonely experience. Thanks to this compassionate community, we feel nurtured and supported. If you give Addison friends and football and throw in complimentary wings, he is a happy camper.”

A web site has been created, www.addisonmarshallcrushcancer.com, which has information regarding the 1st Annual Addison Marshall Golf Tournament scheduled for March 22 at the Weston Lakes Golf Course in Fulshear. There will be a new book drive that evening to benefit the MD Anderson Children’s Clinic as well as a dinner and auction.

Addison’s Junior High coach Mac McStravick sums up his feelings regarding this young man, “Addison Marshall is the type of young man you pray for to be your son; he is also the type of man you hope your daughter finds on her life’s journey. You can build teams around the type of young man Addison is.”

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