my story
By Claire Miller
Editor’s Note: “My Story” is a first-person column OR a Q&A feature of a New Albany community member that centers on health. Have a story to share? Email cmiller@cityscenemediagroup.com. Submissions should be no more than 1,200 words.
Survivor, Finisher 14-year-old beats cancer and becomes youngest Pelotonia participant
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ife is pretty normal these days for Evan DeCarlo, an incoming freshman at New Albany High School. That’s a welcome departure from his reality since 2018, when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and life came to revolve around fighting cancer. DeCarlo finished his treatment in May 2021 and turned 14 in July, making him eligible to ride in Pelotonia. He did so, making him the youngest survivor rider to participate with a team of friends and family – including father David, mother Lydia and 12-year-old sister Clara – supporting him. Team Evan is set to ride again in August. His interview with HNA Magazine has been edited for length and clarity. Healthy New Albany Magazine: Who is Evan? What do you like to do for fun and what are your hobbies and interests? Evan DeCarlo: I enjoy all sports but baseball’s really my main favorite. I like to travel. We just went to Europe for spring break, and last year we did a lot of traveling, because I couldn’t do much during treatment. We went to Chicago, Baltimore, South Carolina, New York City. We saw lots of baseball games. I just got back from D.C. with the eighth grade school trip. That was really fun. It was a lot of walking, so I got kind of tired. HNA: Do you have a favorite baseball team? ED: I’ve been brainwashed into liking all Detroit sports teams. My dad is from Detroit and he’s always liked Detroit sports, so although they’re not very good, they’re still my favorite. HNA: One year ago, you completed your treatment for cancer. What have you been up to this year and what has it been like to be cancer-free for a year now? ED: Last year was one of my first full baseball seasons I was allowed to play again. And we played all that year, but I broke my arm and missed the final tournament. I’ve been playing rec basketball, and that was fun. I hurt my foot during that season. Last fall, I ran cross-country for the first time. I never really enjoyed running, but once we were running as a team it was a little bit more enjoyable. It’s nice to just have quote-unquote “normal days” without medication or (to have) energy and not be tired. I’ve been able to do a lot more. HNA: What kinds of things do you have to do to make sure you’re healthy post-treatment?
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www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com
Photos courtesy of David DeCarlo
The DeCarlo family in Rome.
