Cancer patient doesn’t let illness dampen
his enthusiasm for all things Civil War

Cancer victim Alessandro “Ale” Patrick Valeri hasn’t let his lifetime ailment rain on his enthusiasm for Civil War history.

The 13-year-old Silver Spring, Md., resident shows not only a sincere interest in every aspect of Civil War history, but much compassion for the soldiers’ lives in battle.

Ale has fought his own battle since he was 18 months old and diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells.

Last year, Ale spent a day with the U.S. Artillery, Battery D, at the 149th Battle of Cedar Creek (Va.) re-enactment. This was his first opportunity to participate in a re-enactment, wear a uniform and kepi. He also was given permission to display the battalion’s flag.

The youngster has visited Gettysburg and one of his favorite places is the Old Court House Civil War Museum in Winchester, Va., with its large collection of artifacts, including cannon, muskets and ammunition, displays and Civil War graffiti from the building’s time as a hospital and prison.

Several years ago, Ale underwent three forms of treatment for his fast-growing cancer, but the treatments failed to arrest his illness. Two clinical trials – one a bone marrow transplant – finally put his cancer into remission.

Adriano Valeri, Ale’s father, served as a chief master sergeant in the Italian Air Force and now is employed with the Italian Embassy. His mother, Antonia, is American and was born in the United States.

This summer, Ale again will attend Camp Fantastic in Front Royal, Va., a Special Love camp offering week-long adventures for young cancer patients.

He hopes to be the 5th U.S. Artillery’s number seven man, carrying the haversack containing the round to the gun and seeing the cannon fire, cavalry troopers galloping through the field and infantrymen firing their muskets in another battle.