Nicholas Marriam: His love of the Capitals

Some people say that they want to make a difference in the world; others go out and actually do it. Some even do it with a hockey theme. This year's recipient of the NHL's 7th Kid Award, Nicholas Marriam, spread his love of the Washington Capitals to kids in a local hospital. In 1999, then 7-year-old Nicholas was diagnosed with T Cell Lymphoma, a cancer that rarely affects children. He and his family were forced to spend 172 days in the Children's Hospital in Washington, D.C. Through a hospital program he received tickets to his first ever Washington Capitals game. He was instantly hooked on hockey, especially Caps hockey. During his two-year treatment, Nicholas had the chance to meet and befriend a number of players.

Nicholas gets a visit from some of his favorite Capitals.

After his treatment was finished, his family moved to North Carolina, but Nicholas did not forget his Capitals roots. He decorated his new room with the team colors and logos. It's hard to find anything in his room that doesn't say Capitals on it. His walls are covered with Capitals wallpaper, autographed hats, an autographed hockey stick, and various other Caps mementos. He has two full scrapbooks with pictures from the hockey games he has attended, players' hospital visits and his assorted memorabilia.

But as nice as all the autographs and collectors items are, and there certainly are plenty, the nicest thing in the room might be the award the Washington Capitals presented to Nicholas for his role in Make A Difference Day.

Nicholas and Brendan Witt show off their matching haircuts in the Caps locker room.

While in remission, Nicholas attended a camp for children with cancer and came home with a mission: to make young children in hospitals happier. He remembered how great it was when the Caps donated tickets or when the players came by the hospital for a visit. As part of Make A Difference Day, Nicholas decided to create gift bags for other kids in the Children's Hospital and their families. He was able to collect $7500 worth of supplies for 166 gift bags. The bags included toiletries, gift certificates, disposable cameras, movie passes, pizza coupons and of course, tickets to Capitals games. Nicholas and his family loaded up a van and drove to Maryland so that he could deliver the bags himself. Now 11 years old, Nicholas continues to make the gift bags and deliver them. He is always sure to include something from the Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes. Whenever he goes back to Maryland, he always goes to a game just to make sure the Capitals know he is still their number one fan.