As her Northeastern University 2024 commencement approaches, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Meghan Deighan decided to honor one of her patients by running in the Boston Marathon.
Deighan met her patient, Nicholas Gaspar, while working on the Neuro-Oncology floor at Boston Children’s Hospital. He was diagnosed with a non-germinomatous germ cell tumor (NGGCT) at just 14 years old.
NGGCTs are typically more aggressive than germinomas, another type of germ cell tumor, and often require more intensive treatment due to their complexity.
Nick, as his loved ones called him, brought a lively spirit to Deighan’s shifts.
“Through it all, Nick and his family remained positive, kind, and generous to those around them,” she shared with Boston.com.
“Nick made more of an impact in his short 16 years on earth than most do in a lifetime. Wise beyond his years, he taught me the true meaning of strength.”
Despite enduring days, weeks, and months of treatment, Nick’s gratitude and positive outlook on life never wavered, Deighan said.
Inspired by Nick’s courage and strength, Deighan will ran in the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2024, for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, in his honor.
“Nick would say, ‘Sometimes life sucks, but you only have one, so you can’t stop living,'” she recalled, reflecting on their conversations.
“The greatest lesson I learned is that when you have a full plate, it makes you realize you can do more than you ever thought possible.”
As Deighan continues her work at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, she will always remember the person who reminded her of the importance of the field she is pursuing.
Nick’s story will continue to serve as a reminder to all Bouvé students to cherish the moments and experiences they’ve had during their time at Northeastern, as they will be the building blocks for their future.