CRANSTON, R.I.—Ten-year-old Ani Ayanyan blew out the candles to her birthday cake March 7, but not before making a wish.
Forget the American Girl doll or a new bike. A trip to Disneyworld would be nice, but not a priority. Neither is the dream of becoming an actress or a star athlete.
All young Ani wanted for her birthday was a more sustaining gift: the gift of life.
After battling cancer this past year, which led to the removal of a grapefruit-sized tumor from her brain, the ordeal left her decimated, but not discouraged. Six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy produced the best news ever.
She’s now tumor free, giving her birthday wish more of an answered prayer from God.
“What a great way to celebrate,” says her mom, Deanna. “Not one complaint and always with a smile on her face that goes with the flow. A follow-up visit to MGH [Massachusetts General Hospital] showed wonderful results. Her blood work looked great. Ani continues to amaze us all. By her last treatment in July, we’re optimistic that she will be on her way to becoming fully cured.”
The family gathered around her more as a celebration than a birthday bash. That was one party. Two others followed at other venues, thrown by a restaurant owner who endeared herself to the girl, and cousins reflecting a sports theme.
A Boston Bruins jersey cake with the numeral “10” was the perfect motif.
Over these past several weeks, Ani has returned to school and the world of adventure, conquering the Motocross world on her dirt bike. She even tried out for a local hockey league and made the team.
The youngster was also paired up with a runner for the Boston Marathon in its Patient-Partner program at MGH. Ani took part in a dinner the day before, mingling with the runners and their families.
On the day of the marathon, she and her mom gathered at the home of a doctor living at Mile 20 on the route to cheer on the field. No doubt, the loudest outburst came from Ani herself.
Kids around the playground where she lives call her “Sporty Spice” because she’s so athletic. Ani plays ice hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, and bowling, and swims. She was all set to play flag football when she was diagnosed with the brain tumor.
“Through the combined efforts of the MGH staff, our family and friends, community, church, school, even strangers, it’s made an unbearable part of our lives somewhat tolerable,” said her mother. “The positive energy that was expressed and the many prayers all worked their blessing.”
It was a vigilant fight that involved 31 treatments over 6 weeks, marked by visits from Boston Bruins and Celtics players. People trekked from Rhode Island to Boston, bringing food and gifts during Christmas week.
“It was painful watching my daughter go through all that,” revealed Deanna. “Imagine what it must have been like for her. She persevered through it.”
Deanna lost her mom to a rare form of stomach cancer nine years ago. The side effects from treatment continue to remain vivid in her mind, especially now that a disease has tormented her own daughter.
“To see an innocent girl so full of energy going through such a trauma makes you wonder,” she maintains. “Both my children have been very positive through this.”
Deanna has a younger son named Hagop who was being cared for by friends while she remained by her daughter’s bedside throughout the duration.
On the last day of her proton treatment, applause rang out and tears of joy were remitted throughout the room. Ani was given a bell to ring three times, along with balloons, gifts, even sparkling cider, or “kids’ champagne” as she calls it. The bell tolling remains a symbol of victory.
“The staff was amazed at how she appeared daily with a smile on her face and joked with them, talking about the latest sports news with such a nonchalant demeanor,” said Deanna. “She even mentored a seven-year-old boy who was having a hard time. They soon became friends and eventually helped to mentor another child.”
A cancer benefit called Ani’s Angels took place at PJ’s Pub in Johnston. The family is closely associated with Sts. Vartanantz Church where Ani is a member of the Armenian scouts. The Rhode Island Armenian community stood behind the family every step of the way.
“I believe my Mom has been her guardian angel and will continue looking down from heaven and always keep her safe,” Deanna confirms. “With love, positivity, and the power of prayer, all things are possible, including a cure for cancer. When I see people complain about the petty things in life, I give them my daughter’s battle as an example. I tell them not to sweat the small stuff.”
Tom Vartabedian
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