Grand Forks Senior Battling Rare Cancer “Heroic Story”

Imagine the complete shock of facing cancer head-on

Just a young man, not even 18 years old yet. Big strong and athletic, doing what he loves - playing football with fellow teammates he's had since the 4th grade - one dark day Dawson Vansickle and his father Travis sat in a small room in Rochester, Minnesota - where a straightforward doctor looked them both in the eyes and explained what Osteosarcoma is. One percent of people under the age of 25 -  it's still fairly rare, with only about 1,000 cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year.

Chemo began last year - right around this time - in October

Dawson missed his whole junior year at Grand Forks Red River - too weak to physically be there - he and his family were bracing for the terrible reality of one day soon Dawson would lose his left leg. That day came on January 2nd. According to The Inforum.com "Doctors said a knee replacement would not be an option because it would need to be replaced every 10 years. They would have to amputate the lower part of his leg. You can't look back at things and be negative about it and look forward and be positive about the future about what you can overcome and achieve from this point on," Van Sickle said.

Number 58 - STILL a force on the football field - in the locker room - at practice - in life

You will always find Dawson supporting HIS school, HIS team ( which is 6 and 0 this year ) Yes, there may be a piece missing from Dawson, but that is what he has accepted. "I've always been different, BUT I've never FELT different. My appearance is obvious, mentally though I am completely at ease with it" So much so, that this soon to be 18 years old giant is an inspiration to countless others - a mentor to other kids who are battling cancer - There are 3 organizations that are extremely important to Dawson, Travis and his family:

Outdoor Adventure Foundation

Make A Wish North Dakota

Brave The Shave Bismarck

One day down the road Dawson wants to join the long list of skilled electricians that have been in his family ( Trevor for one ) - This is a young man who gives back to others - he is a role model and a textbook example of how to live life with a strong-willed attitude.

"He's special - he's inspiring others...I love his spirit..."

That's what his father told me on the phone this afternoon.....and this is part of my job I love so much - meeting people like Travis and his son.