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Meet Lance Kopplin

“I get a few stares. But I like to think it’s because my hair’s cool.”

The positive attitude 10-year-old Lance Kopplin has is remarkable, especially considering the battle he started at just six years old.

When he was six, doctors told Lance and his family that he had rhabdomyosarcoma – a cancerous tumor in his eye. It was serious. The tumor quickly spread to his brain, and after a relapse his doctors predicted a 0% chance of survival.

The Kopplins didn’t want to accept that prognosis. Instead, they wanted to give Lance every chance to overcome the cancer. While the family lived in Wisconsin, they spent the next year traveling to see doctors that would give him the best treatment. Doctors told the Kopplins that Lance’s brothers and sister should be involved in his care, saying it could help with a recovery.

The family stayed in four Ronald McDonald Houses in four different cities – a total of 200 nights. “Throughout Lance’s treatment, my family had nothing to worry about except getting Lance better.  There were no bills to pay, chores to worry about or meals to make.  There was just love and support to give to Lance.  And, because of Ronald McDonald House Charities, those 200 nights only cost about $400,” says Jolene, Lance’s mom. 

Following the doctor’s advice made a difference to Lance and his whole family. It’s been more than three years since the Kopplins got the bad news, and Lance is now totally cancer-free.

Comments (1)|(Hide)

  • Judean Nixon

    17/01/2012 8:13am

    I knew Jolene, Lance's Mom, when she was about the same age as Lance when he was diagnosed. I lost touch with her family years ago, but upon seeing her story am pressed to comment on Jolene's family of origin. They were our next door neighbors and a more wonderful caring/sharing group you cannot imagine. I have to believe that part of Lance's healing came from their core values and beliefs. I wish them all continued success and wellness in everything that they encounter.

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