By Kim Cotton

Staff writer

PORT ST. LUCIE - Cody Denig has turned a bad situation into an educational one.

Cody, 10, was diagnosed three years ago with angiomatoid malignant fibrous histiocytoma, the medical name for soft tissue cancer. He had several lumps in his right arm, which required five surgeries to remove. He didn't need chemotherapy or radiation, but undergoes testing every three or four months to monitor the cancer.

But he hasn't let his illness keep him down. Cody has turned his experience into a positive one, educating people about cancer.

For his efforts, Cody was awarded the 2006 Courage Award for the Southeast Region by the Florida division of the American Cancer Society. He received his award last month at the banquet, in Orlando.

He is the first child in this area to be recognized with this award.

"I feel honored," Cody said. "I think they picked me because I'm brave and I speak in public.

"I do it for my friends who have died, because they can't speak anymore," he added.

Cody has spoken to several groups in the Treasure Coast area, including the American Cancer Society's annual Cattle Baron's Ball in both Martin and St. Lucie counties. He was also an honorary chairman for last year's Relay for Life event in Port St. Lucie.

Relay for Life is an 18-hour event, where participants walk through the night to raise money for cancer research. Relay for Life also honors cancer survivors and those who lost their battle with cancer.

Cody said he speaks out about his disease because his wants people to understand that children get cancer.

"I want to educate people because the doctor I first went to said I had a boo-boo, and that kids don't get cancer," Cody said.

While in Orlando, Cody gave his speech to a roomful of adults.

"A frightening and terrifying stranger came to my home and knocked on my door," Cody said in his speech. "He was rude and just barged right into my life . this new arrival's name was Cancer."

Further in his speech, Cody compares life to a cookie.

"Thinking back on my life, I have realized that life is like a big cookie," he said. "It's hard on the outside for the hard times in life, and soft and chewy on the inside for the good times in life.

"It's taking a negative situation and turning into a positive one," he added. "It's all in your attitude."

Cody's parents, Lori and Norman Denig, are pleased with their son's work.

"I'm proud of Cody because he has taken the situation he's gone through and used his energies in a positive way to help other people," Mrs. Denig said. "This gives him a place to put his feelings so he can be a normal kid the rest of the time."

When Cody is not out on the speaker's circuit, he is a fifth-grader at F.K. Sweet Elementary School. He also spends time with his older brother, Matthew, 13.

Matthew himself has gotten involved in cancer advocacy. He is the youth chair for Relay for Life, and organizes a team every year. He has gone as far as to write to Nickelodeon, the children's network, to see if they will come out to broadcast from next year's Relay for Life.

Nancy Madsen, executive director for the St. Lucie-Indian River counties American Cancer Society chapter. She said Cody was chosen for the award because of his charm and charisma.

"He just grabbed our hearts," Ms. Madsen said. "He's a great speaker and a brave little boy who has not been paralyzed by what has happened."