Nathan Fleming Spirit Award

 

 

Nathan Fleming was a member of the 2001-2002 Allen Eagles State Championship team. January 21, 2002 Nathan was diagnosed with a rare disease called Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD). There is no cure or reasonable treatment for this disease that destroys the brain, central and peripheral nervous systems. Nathan underwent a stem-cell transplant, August 15, 2002, in hopes of slowing the progression of the disease. Tragically, 8 months after transplant, Nathan developed pneumonia and lost the battle against MLD. Nathan passed away on April 1, 2003, surrounded by those that loved him. He was just 18 days past his 17th birthday.

 

One of Nathan's passions as a teenager was bowling and he loved being part of the Allen Eagles bowling team. Despite his failing health, he was there cheering on the team at the state championship tournament on March 1, 2003. The Nathan Fleming Spirit Award was created that year to honor the boy and girl on the Allen Eagles team who best demonstrate the spirit and love that Nathan brought to the team. The honorees have been:

 

 

2005 - 2006

Boys - Travis Bledsoe

Girls - Courtney Swindle

2003 - 2004

Boys - Zak Bennett

Girls - Stephanie Hinz

2004 - 2005

Boys - Zach Barton

Girls - Beth Carter

2002 - 2003

Boys - Leif Kertis

Girls - Amber DeLaney

 

 

 

 

To read Nathan's story, visit his web site at http://www.caringbridge.org/tx/nathan