Danny Hansen

Danny Hansen was our little cowboy who ran the castle like it was his own and lived his life to the fullest with the mantra "Stupid Cancer". Danny lost his battle with AML June 30, 2010. He is one of the angels watching over us at Radiothon.

 

 

 

Naysa Sechser

Naysa Sechser of Hartford relies on her faith to get her through.  Diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a cancer not usually found in children and teens, she endured surgery and radiation and has high hopes for a continued clean bill of health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bentley Lammers-Rethwisch

Though his parents held him in their arms for only 10 weeks, he will live in their hearts for a lifetime.  This is Bentley Lammers-Rethwisch of Crofton, NE.

 

 

 

 

Xavier Valandra

A parent’s intuition – for Xavier Valandra of Mitchell, it was his parents’ intuition, knowing something just wasn’t right, that led to his diagnosis of cancer.  It’s a tough road to travel, but his parents feel secure that he’s being treated in the best place possible and that he will be okay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sophia Riis-Christensen

The birth of a child is a joyous occasion.  But for the parents and grandparents of little Sophia Riis-Christensen of Sioux Falls, a shadow appeared over their joy very quickly with the realization that their sweet baby had been born with a very rare cancer.  To save her life, her leg had to be amputated at just two months of age.  She continues to be treated with chemotherapy weekly to ensure there are no stray cancer cells waiting to cause more trouble.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ty Sichmeller

An emotional rollercoaster – that is how the fall of 2009 can be described for the Sichmeller family of Hartford, SD.  Just how much can one family deal with in just a few months time?  Dad lost his job, Ty was diagnosed with cancer, and then baby brother was born.  Ty’s cancer is currently in remission, but he still has a long road of treatment ahead of him.

 

 

Clayton Horst

Clayton was seven months old when he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. Instead of showing off their beautiful baby to friends and family, Clayton’s parents had to keep him isolated to protect him from outside germs that could compromise his recovery. His family made numerous trips to Sioux Falls from Ipswich for treatments. Now, two years old, Clayton is cancer free and finally able to venture into the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon Watterson

For many, being a teenager is about playing sports and hanging out with friends.  But for 15-year-old Brandon Watterson, his days are instead filled with chemotherapy, blood transfusions and radiation to treat his cancer.  He and his mom make numerous trips to Sioux Falls for these life-saving treatments, with the hope that one day he can put this crisis behind him and look toward the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda Allstot

Inspiration. This is the best word to describe Amanda Allstot of Sioux Falls. At age 13, she was diagnosed with bone cancer that led to the amputation of her leg. She is the epitome of perseverance, strength and hope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda Ode

She has endured cancer and its many facets, including surgeries and hair loss. Despite her battles, she remains happy and has a positive outlook.

Amanda may be small for her age, but when you speak to her she exudes intelligence, confidence, and a spirit much bigger than her body. She has uncommon strength about her and you can bet that anything she will face, she will come out of successful!

Amanda loves Camp Bring It On where she has made wonderful connections with other kids facing similar circumstances. To many, she is a hero. She's also the charter member of "Crash's Crew".

Here is Amanda's story, in her own words, set to Indigenous' "Eyes Of A Child"

Amanda's mom Tracie tells her story of what they went through as a family. Her story is set to Pat Benatar's "Invincible"

 

Kelsey Heer

As a teenage girl that has endured cancer, Kelsey says, "You look back at everything and you realize how much you have gone through and you know you can make it through anything else in life if you’ve gone through this."

Kelsey was extremely active and athletic in high school, but one day she noticed something wasn’t quite right. After a CAT scan was done to check swollen lymph nodes, the doctor ordered a biopsy. The results came back revealing cancer. Kelsey began extensive treatments at Sanford Children’s Hospital, and completed them in January, 2008.

Through Camp Bring It On, Kelsey has built strong bonds and wonderful friendships with others who have experienced the same journey. They all have something in common – hope.

Kelsey is now attending South Dakota State University in Brookings.

Here is Kelsey's story in her own words, set to Guns N' Roses "Sweet Child O' Mine"

 

Mariah Matthies

Mariah was born with Down's syndrome, but that didn't deter her or her parents. They watch in awe as Mariah works diligently to be able to do things others her age are doing. She is strong. However, her parent's faith was tested when she was diagnosed with cancer. They were angry; 'it wasn’t fair.' Mariah had worked so hard to keep up with other kids; it was devastating to imagine fighting this battle, too.

Mariah's endurance has reminded them to remain strong in their faith, and of the importance of bedtime prayers.

Mariah attends school in Brandon, and enjoys going to Camp Bring It On during the summer.

Here is Mariah's story, as told by her parents Brad and Theresa, set to Don Henley's "New York Minute"

 

Adrienne Weidenbach

Adrienne is a sweet little girl that dreams of being a firefighter when she grows up. And although other kids are playing outside and having fun, Adrienne remains strong, positive, and playful during her chemotherapy and radiation treatments at Sanford Children’s Hospital.

Adrienne describes cancer as something that makes your hair fall out.

Here is Adrienne's story as told by her mom Billie Jo, set to Robert Randolph & The Family Band's "Stronger"

 

Ian Rinken

As a nurse, Ian's mother became concerned when she noticed some suspicious symptoms of cancer in her 3-year-old son, Ian. At that tender age, Ian was diagnosed with leukemia and began 36 months of treatment. On a typical drive home one day, at the age of 4, upon seeing a cemetery, Ian stated to his mother, "I'm not going to have to go live there."

As he has grown, he has shown such maturity, yet remained a dynamic young boy. He once told his mom that he was like Harry Potter. 'Hagrid had said that Harry was the boy who lived,' and that's exactly what Ian has done.

Now a teenager, Ian is enjoying sports, including golfing with Washington High School.

Here's Ian's story as told by him and his mom Jan set to Tesla's "What You Give"

 

Zachary Gunderson

A routine, two-month well baby exam turned out not-so-routine for the Gunderson's and their new baby boy, Zachary. Shockingly, he had cancer. The Gunderson’s learned that surgery would be impossible as the cancer had wound itself around little Zachary's organs, so he began treatments.

Currently, at 9-months-old, Zachary is in remission. As his parents watch him play with his older brother, doctors watch him closely to make sure the cancer cells continue to die. Zachary eagerly takes in the wonders of the world around him, and his parents pray they are done with further cancer treatments on their baby boy.

Here's Zachary's story as told by his mom Tammy set to the Arc Angels "Sent By Angels"

 

Ethan Kringen

As a typical young boy, Ethan Kringen loves being outside, playing with trucks and the frogs at daycare.  As a not-so-typical young boy, he already has endured treatments of Histiocytosis.

He gets poked and prodded, but loves going to the doctor.  His parents credit the wonderful staff at Sanford Children's Hospital and Specialty Clinic for his lack of trepidation when it's time for a visit.

Here's Ethan's story as told by his mom Darcy set to Yes'"Love Will Find A Way"

 

Hunter Bork

As an all-American teenager, Hunter Bork enjoys football and track.  During one football season, Hunter suffered a broken leg, which eventually led to an MRI that revealed cancer.  Three days after his 18th birthday, Hunter was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancer of the bone.

Displaying the courage of an all-American teenager, Hunter chose to have his leg amputated in hopes of an opportunity to receive a prosthetic designed for running.  Hunter aspired to walk in time for his senior prom and did it.  He also plans to organize walks and runs to benefit cancer research and others that share his battle.  A true inspiration, a living example of being a survivor and a Cure Kids Cancer Hero, Hunter's advice to others facing adversity is, "Your spirit helps a lot.  Do what you feel is right.  Don't pity yourself."

Here's Hunter's story in his own words set to the Damn Yankees "High Enough"

 

Logan Lansdom

Logan is a survivor. He is active and energetic, a true blessing to his family and friends that are thankful everyday for his strength and endurance.

Although he has been cancer free for a few years now, his mother remembers it vividly…the treatments, the fears. She holds her breath every time Logan goes for scans to ensure the cancer is still gone, and every time her younger son is periodically tested to monitor him ensuring he too is cancer free.

Here's Logan's story told by his mom Tracy set to Asia's "Sole Survivor"

 

Cassie Hulstein

Cassie was your typical teenager growing up in Edgerton, Minnesota when she went through a stretch when she was tired every day. She went to the family doctor and was diagnosed with cancer at 16.

She credits the support of her classmates for helping her transition back to high school. We let Kelsey Heer interview her to make her feel a little more at ease. Kelsey and Cassie met at Sanford Children's Hospital while undergoing cancer treatments. Cassie is now a student at SDSU in Brookings.

Here's Cassie's story in her own words set to Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb"

 

Kelsey Heer and Cassie Hulstein

You've already met Kelsey and Cassie. We set them up in a studio at the radio station and let them just talk about what they've gone through as cancer survivors. They met at Sanford Children's Hospital while undergoing treatment and now are both students at SDSU in Brookings.

We turned the microphones on and let them talk. Here's their story set to John Mellencamp's "Small Town"

 

Izzy Tyrell

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family goes to battle. Izzy Tyrell of Chamberlain, SD has not had to battle her cancer alone, she has been surrounded by the love of her family and her community – making the battle a bit easier. The road to recovery for Izzy required months of chemotherapy and many trips from their home in central South Dakota to Sanford Children’s Hospital for the care she needed. The trips became a special time for Izzy and her mom, as they’ve driven 13,813 miles on their car traveling back and forth. And, throughout her treatment, this sweet little girl was known for her positive attitude and for the smile that never left her face.

Here's Izzy's story told by her parents Kim & Mike set to Gregg Allman's "Not My Cross To Bear"

 

Charlie Peters

When you hear your child has cancer, your world stops. That is exactly how Dan & Liz Peters felt when they learned their two year old son, Charlie had Leukemia. But instead of questioning, why us? and looking for an answer, their story is one of resilience and hope that inspired them to ask, Why NOT us?

Here's Charlie's Story, set to Aynsley Lister's "Running On Empty"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mason Link

Mason has been diagnosed with ALL form of Leukemia. It is the most common form in children. This is a good thing since it is also the most curable.

Mason is not able to produce any more blood right now, his bone marrow is not working properly. This is why he has been so tired. He has been running a few quarts low! He's a determined little boy and he is gonna win his battle.

Here's Mason's Story, set to Foreigner's "I'm Gonna Win"

 

Wendy Jensen

So many of the stories we hear from the kids fighting cancer and their parents are about their Child Life Specialist at Sanford Children's. Wendy is almost always mentioned by name as having made a connection with their child or as the person the kids most look forward to seeing because she always plays their favorite games with them, has their favorite foods waiting for them, or even 'hunts elephants' with them. Wendy feels fortunate to do what she does and says she's honored to be a part of these families lives, especially at such a raw time.

Here's Wendy's Story set to Bruce Springsteen's "Working On A Dream"

 

Caitlyn Baumgart

Caitlyn is a 2nd grader at Tea Elementary and doesn't like to talk about her cancer too much. It was a very scary experience for her, but she completed her treatments last summer and had another new experience...Camp Bring It On! Caitlyn had a blast shooting paint balls, tie-dying t-shirts, riding in boats and forgetting, at least for a little while, about her cancer. Caitlyn wants to be an artist when she grows up.

Here's Caitlyn's Story, set to Led Zeppelin's "All My Love"

 

Josh Bern

Josh is an active seven year old with a very supportive family. Even after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, he and his entire family kept an amazingly positive attitude. Josh is doing very well these days and even took it upon himself to set up a pop stand to sell pop to visitors of a neighborhood rummage sale with all the money going to Cure Kids Cancer. He raised almost $25 and didn't even think to keep any of it for himself. Josh can teach us all a lesson!

Here's Josh's story, set to Joe Bonamassa's "Feeling Good"

 

Noah Comes

Noah is an adorable child from Watertown. He's very brave, especially with all that he has endured. His parents put it best on their Caring Bridge site when they posted: On Monday July 6 Noah was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma stage IV group-c. It is a day that changed the way we live our lives both for Noah and our family. Together, we will stay strong, fight, and NEVER GIVE UP until Noah has completed this road on his journey through life.

Here's Noah's story set to Van Halen's "Right Now"

 

Danny Hansen

Sadly, Danny lost his fight with AML on June 30, 2010. There is another angel in heaven today.

Here's Danny's Story, set to Bon Jovi's "It's My Life"

 

 

 

Nick Kappenman

Nick is an adorable little red-headed boy...now that his hair has grown back. Though he did look pretty cute dressed as Mr. Clean! Nick was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder that acts much like cancer. Wheras cancer is groups of bad cells forming together, Histiocytosis is groups of good cells forming together to form lesions that eat through the bone.

Here's Nick's story, set to David Bowie's "Heroes"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ian Huber

Ian had been experiencing severe abdominal pain, vomiting, cramping and bloody stools for three weeks, during which time he had seen many doctors, had made several clinic visits, emergency room visits, and even seen a specialist. Finally on September 20, 2009 his parents took Ian to the Watertown Emergency Room where a CAT scan was done. Nine-year old Ian was immediately flown to Sioux Falls for emergency surgery at Sanford Children's Hospital where 4-6 inches of his intestines were removed along with his appendix and a lymphomic growth. Ian was diagnosed with a high grade B-Cell Burkitt's like Lymphoma.

Here's Ian's story set to Triumph's "Fight The Good Fight"