In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Haymarket Elementary School is hosting its seventh annual LEGO drive, an initiative started by a young cancer survivor and continued by his sister. The drive, which runs until October 11, aims to collect LEGO sets for children undergoing treatment at INOVA Children’s Hospital.

The LEGO drive was inspired by Niko, who was diagnosed with cancer at age 5 during his second week of kindergarten at Haymarket Elementary. His treatment involved extensive chemotherapy, long hospital stays, and numerous blood transfusions over three and a half years. During one of these stays, a childhood care specialist gifted him a LEGO set, which helped him pass the time and provided a much-needed distraction. This experience led Niko to start the LEGO drive to bring joy to other children facing similar battles.

Niko’s sister, Zoe, has taken up the mantle since Niko moved on to middle school. The siblings made a pact to continue the drive, and Zoe has been collecting LEGO sets ever since. “It’s part of who she is,” their mother shared. “When Niko moved onto middle school, they made a pact between the two of them. She would continue his work of collecting LEGO and telling people about childhood cancer.”

Dr. Jesse L. Rivera, principal at Haymarket Elementary, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. “We are so excited to be in the midst of our seventh annual LEGO drive for childhood cancer. With the support of our community and the dedication of our new parent liaison, Karla Chavarriaga, we are happy to bring some joy to children that truly need it.”

The community has shown tremendous support for the drive over the years, with the number of donated LEGO sets increasing annually. To date, the driver has collected 275 sets. The school community, including principals and teachers, have been instrumental in this success.

“Childhood cancer is not rare,” Niko’s mother emphasized. “More than 17,000 children   diagnosed every year in the U.S. alone, and it is the leading cause of death in children. The research and funding simply aren’t there. They deserve better.”

The family hopes to break their record this year and continue spreading awareness while bringing joy to children. “Every little bit count,” Niko’s mother said. “We weren’t a cancer family until we were, and it makes you realize there’s so much going on in the world. You can make a difference.”