On a recent Sunday afternoon, 8-year-old Gene Sulton Jr. donned a black suit and tie and a big smile.  Shortly before church, he talked about his life and future.

He has a positive attitude and a great outlook on life considering that he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia last year.

"When I found out I had leukemia, I felt sad," the youngster said with a slight tremor in his voice. "I can die from it. I pray to God, and sometimes I feel better."

Despite the diagnosis this boy has not missed a beat.  One of four children, Gene Jr. has been a dream child his mother, Jonte Sulton, said.

"The day we found out he had leukemia, I was upset," she said. "But Gene Jr. told me it would be OK.  His attitude is so great."

Although the port that he needs for chemotherapy prohibits him from playing football, he never complains, she said.

"Gene Jr. makes things as easy as they could be under the circumstances," said Jonte, 29, who works as a human resources consultant. "He wanted to play football, but he can't.  So he plays baseball.  He sings in the church choir and serves as an usher when he can.  He seems content to do whatever he can and not worry about what he can't do. If there was any such thing as a perfect child, he would be it."

His father, Sgt. 1st Class Gene Sulton Sr., was deployed when Gene Jr. was diagnosed.  He came home to be with his son and was impressed by his son's stamina.

"He might be hurting, but he continues to be a fighter," said Sulton, who works as the NCOIC for the 80th Ordinance Battalion.  "It is very hard to see him sick.  I just want him to be normal."

Since the diagnosis, Gene Jr. has spent Christmas in the hospital, has maintained excellent grades, and he tutors other children in mathematics.

Also, he has not allowed his diagnosis to dictate what he will do.  When asked some fun things he wants to do as an adult, he replied without missing a beat, "Climb Mount Rainier."  But his mother instantly replied, "Mama is not going to let you do that."

His siblings - Genea, 2; Isaiah, 7; and Taniqua, 16 - are devoted to their brother.  Taniqua says he is a fun brother with an outgoing personality.  He also helps her out at the most unexpected times.

"When I go to the store and do not have money, he will buy things for me," she said.

"He saves his money."

Sweet demeanor and fun-loving personality aside, when all is said and done, this boy is a fighter.  He wants to use his experience to help others.

"I don't feel good about having leukemia," he said. "But I feel like I can take it.  I want to help other kids who get cancer deal with it.  I can do it, and they can do it.  We just can't give up."