×

Zambori takes on cancer, 5K’s

BIG SMILES — Leo Zambori, right, and his brother Nolan, left, smile holding autographed footballs from Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back James Conner, center, at training camp. (Contributed)

WHEELING — Leo Zambori is only 7 years old, but inspiration cannot be measured with age.

The young boy from Martins Ferry has left his mark on the Ohio Valley, and even professional athletes, as he courageously battles cancer.

Zambori was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on April 6, 2016, but the strong-willed warrior is not letting that stop him from staying active.

Last Saturday, Zambori not only raced in the 21st annual Debbie Green 5K Run/Walk for Leukemia in Wheeling, but he bolted around the course and finished in a time of 38:00, days after undergoing treatment at the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

“Just to look at him, you would never know what he is going through,” Natalie Zambori, Leo’s mother, said. “At this point he is taking chemo pills every day. He has IV chemotherapy once a month. Every Thursday he has to take 13 chemo pills and every third month he has to have a spinal tap.

“After his IV chemo, he has to take a steroid, which makes him hungry and makes his bones hurt. He had the IV chemo just three days before the race but he was determined to run the race.”

Like his battle with cancer, Leo was not alone during the 3.1 mile event as his father, Chad Zambori, also took part but admits that he could not keep up with the energy and speed of his son.

“I tried,” Chad said. “But he left me in the dust. Our plan was to run a little and walk a little, but we got about a mile in and he took off and ran the rest of the way.”

Following the race, Leo felt tired, as any runner in the grueling dash would. Although, that did not keep him from looking ahead to his next challenge.

“I felt good,” Leo said. “My legs were a little tight but I was happy. When the race ended, I asked, ‘When is the next 5K?'”

Leo also walked in the Debbie Green 5K the year he was diagnosed, wearing a mask through the entirety of the race.

“He wants to do it,” Natalie said. “Once his mind is made up, you cannot deter him.

“We just want to thank Ron Green for putting on this race for the last 21 years to help kids like Leo with cancer and to help their families. It has made this -and-a-half-year journey a little easier.”

In addition to running, Leo enjoys other sports, as well. In fact, Leo was invited to the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp this year as the hospital sent families for a day of enjoyment.

As Leo walked into the facility, proudly sporting his James Conner jersey, what happened next made the day unforgettable.

“I yelled his name (James Conner) and he came over to me,” Leo said. “He gave me a towel and glove and then he signed my football and my jersey. He showed me his port scar from when he had cancer, too. I also got to meet JuJu (Smith-Schuster).”

His father added: “It felt really genuine. He was asking him how he felt and really specific questions about cancer. Leo had just had a treatment the day before.”

Leo has relished opportunities to visit with teams, players and coaches from many different sports. In April, he served as the honorary team captain for the La Roche Redhawks’ men’s soccer team, but his true passions reside on the golf course and baseball diamond.

“Golf and baseball are my favorite sports,” Leo said.

Leo and many other kids were welcomed to a “Standup to Cancer” event at PNC Park, where players and coaches shaved their heads to honor the children in attendance. Cancer survivor and Pirates pitcher Jameson Taillon also spoke with the kids and allowed them to shave his head, as well.

Another person who has been by Leo’s side every step of the way is his older brother, Nolan, who is 10 years old.

“Nolan has been a big supporter of his brother through all of this,” Natalie said. “He is always with Leo and he even organized a toy drive for the hospital. He helped collect three or four car loads of toys that we took to the hospital.”

Leo’s battle with cancer is truly a family affair and the Zambori’s are full of hope.

As Leo awaits his next 5 K race, there is also another date on the calendar that everyone is eagerly looking forward to.

“He has his eye on the end date,” his mother said. “We are looking forward to that.”

Doctors have set June 9, 2019, as Leo’s final day of chemotherapy, where he will ring the bell to celebrate his accomplishment.

Until then, Leo will continue to live life to the fullest.

On Saturday, Leo ran in the River Rat 5K in Bellaire, improving his race time to 31:09. He underwent chemo treatment the morning leading up to the race as he continued to inspire the crowd.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today