Before he even turned 12 years old, Shane, a patient at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital, faced a battle most adults could never imagine. What began as sudden, unexplained pain turned out to be something far more serious — Stage 3 Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
By the time doctors made the diagnosis, the cancer had already spread to Shane’s spleen and tonsils. The road ahead was steep and uncertain. There would be rounds of chemotherapy, endless days in the hospital, and moments that would test his body and spirit beyond comprehension.
But Shane, even as a young boy, decided one thing early on — he was going to fight.
Through the grueling months of treatment, Shane’s courage never faltered. Chemotherapy brought exhaustion, nausea, and significant weight loss, forcing him to rely on a feeding tube just to keep his body strong enough to continue. Then, complications struck: septic shock caused by lung nodules sent him into another life-threatening emergency. But Shane fought through it all — every needle, every setback, every sleepless night.
Now, with his last chemotherapy session behind him, Shane is counting down to one of the biggest moments of his young life — the day he gets to ring the bell, the powerful hospital tradition that marks the end of cancer treatment. He’s waiting for his final PET scan, scheduled for October, hoping for the words every cancer patient longs to hear: no evidence of disease.
It’s hard to imagine a child going through all that Shane has endured, yet what makes his story even more remarkable is his kindness. His nurses, doctors, and family describe him as not just brave, but selfless — the kind of kid who thinks about others even when he’s the one in pain.
Shane’s spirit shines brightest in the small moments. When he’s not at the hospital, you’ll likely find him doing what makes him happiest — watching football with his brother, cheering for his favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs, or spending time outdoors riding his bike. He also loves building LEGOs, drawing, and finding creative ways to express himself.
These hobbies are more than just distractions — they’re pieces of his healing. Through creativity and play, Shane has found ways to reclaim his childhood, even amid hospital visits and medical machines.
Recently, Shane’s incredible journey was recognized in a very special way. He was invited as the VIP guest for the 2nd annual Gold Rush game, a celebration dedicated to raising awareness for childhood cancer. On that day, Shane wasn’t just a patient — he was a star.
Standing on the sidelines, he had a front-row seat for pregame warmups, cheered on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and even took the field with the team. The players, coaches, and fans all rallied around him, honoring not only his battle but the light he brings into every room he enters.
For Shane, it was a day filled with smiles — a well-deserved moment of joy for a boy who has faced so much darkness. For everyone who met him, it was a reminder of what true strength looks like.
Shane’s journey is one of faith, endurance, and unwavering positivity. Even through moments of fear and uncertainty, he has chosen hope. His mother says that his laughter has been their family’s lifeline — that even when he was too weak to play, he’d crack a joke or flash his mischievous grin, reminding everyone that joy is still possible.
And that’s what makes Shane so special. He doesn’t let cancer define him; he defines what it means to rise above it. He’s a reminder that resilience isn’t just about surviving — it’s about living fully, loving deeply, and bringing kindness into the world no matter what you face.
As he waits for that final scan, Shane dreams about the future — playing outside without getting tired, returning to school full-time, maybe even traveling to see the Chiefs play live one day. But his biggest dream is simple: to stay healthy and to help others who are fighting battles like his.
Everyone who has crossed paths with Shane will tell you the same thing — he is more than a survivor; he’s an inspiration.
When he rings that bell in October, it won’t just be a sound of victory. It will be a symphony of courage, a song of hope echoing through hospital halls, reminding every child still fighting that they are not alone.
Shane’s story teaches us all something profound: that even in life’s hardest seasons, kindness and courage can coexist. That laughter can live beside pain. That strength can come from the smallest, kindest hearts.
So here’s to you, Shane — the fighter, the artist, the brother, the football fan, the light.
Your resilience inspires us. Your smile reminds us that hope always wins.
And when that bell rings, the world will be cheering right along with you.
We’re so proud of you, Shane. Keep shining, keep fighting, and keep being exactly who you are — Mighty, kind, and unstoppable.
