Lochlan Mowers is a happy, smart, witty, 4th grader at CRES this year. Looking at him, no one would ever guess he has already been through cancer twice at such a young age.
When he was only 18 months old, he suddenly started showing symptoms which stumped doctors for months. At age two, he was finally diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of his upper and lower jaw bones, scalp, pituitary and thyroid. He was "famous" at the U of M hospital, as this was a very rare form of cancer. Lochlan was in a lot of pain for quite some time, since his jaw bones had been disintegrating. Seeing him poked by needles, put to sleep for tests, and becoming sick from chemotherapy was extremely hard for him and his entire family. Lochlan had a port surgically placed in his chest and was treated with different types of chemotherapy at the children's hospital for two years. He had his ups and downs, with side effects in his tiny little body. However, during those two years, Lochlan grew up around doctors and nurses and became a little expert on all things medical and developed very close relationships with his medical team. At age four, he was finally able to finish his grueling schedule of chemotherapy.
Lochlan was able to be done with treatment in time for preschool at CRES. Lochlan was able to attend elementary school cancer-free, that is, until this year. In June of 2024, he went in for his five-year cancer check up with hopes of yet another good report. Unfortunately, cancer was found in his pituitary gland and thyroid. At age nine, young enough to remember some of his cancer-kicking days but old enough to know how scary cancer can be, this was devastating for Lochlan to hear. Lochlan has been undergoing treatment throughout this school year, but has still been able to stay in school thanks to a different type of treatment this time around.
He is a strong and determined boy, but could always use encouragement! He has decided to share his story with his school and community. Let's remind Lochlan to stay, "Lochlan Strong!"
As a school, we rallied around Lochlan as he continues to be brave, strong and an inspiration to all of us. Lochlan and his classmates created a t-shirt design that best represents him. Through the generous donation from CRMC and the amazingly talented work of Ms. Larsen and our 5th grade students, we have brought this t-shirt to life. Each child and staff member were given a t-shirt. We all wore these shirts, on January 30, to show our support for Lochlan prior to his upcoming appointments! Take a peek at all of the pictures from his classmates and other classes.
Big shout-out to Ms. Larsen and the 5th graders for making all of the shirts for staff and students!
Keep fighting, Lochlan!
