Meet Landen
Meet our newest hero, Landen! Aidan met 13-year-old Landen earlier this year shortly after his cancer diagnosis, but his smile hasn't wavered once. He was diagnosed in December 2024 with high-grade surface osteosarcoma, a type of aggressive and fast-growing metastatic bone cancer.
Aidan got to see in Landen in the hospital this summer and learned he had recently taken up crocheting as a new hobby! It was impressive to see all of his creations and we were super inspired that he was using his time in the hospital to learn a new skill.
Aidan dedicated the Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears game to Landen and his unwavering tenacity throughout his entire battle with cancer.
Landen's Story:
Landen was mid-basketball season when we learned of his diagnosis. We sought medical treatment for what we thought was a sprained ankle due to a sports injury. Within weeks, a needle biopsy confirmed his diagnosis, and we were informed that an aggressive treatment regimen would include six rounds of chemotherapy over the course of seven months. He would also require an operation to remove the tumor following completion of the first two rounds of chemotherapy. We learned that the location of Landen’s tumor (lower left ankle) would require a transtibial amputation, otherwise known as a below-the-knee amputation.
Landen’s spirit throughout his course of treatment never wavered. When faced with adversity, he never gave up. That continues to be Landen’s mantra, “never give up.” From one of his all-time favorite movies, Chicken Little, he’s often reminded “though it may feel like the sky is falling around you, never give up, for every day is a new day.”
Landen is an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. He also enjoys swimming, four-wheeling, camping, and rock collecting. He has a love for sports, especially football and basketball, even building quite a collection of trading cards. His favorite teams are the Lions (obviously!) and the Cincinnati Bengals. He thrives on creativity, has a love for arts and crafts, and recently learned how to crochet during his time in the hospital.
Landen was fitted for his prosthetic in early June and has been re-learning to walk all over again. As of July 31st, he completed his course of treatment. Despite the challenges and obstacles along the way, Landen never gave up. He hopes to return to playing sports again in the near future. He is strong, determined, resilient, and has a tremendous amount of grit, resilience, and tenacity.
Cancer may have changed him, but it didn’t break him.
Today and every day, we are #LANDENSTRONG!
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Landen is an extraordinary kid who has taught us the true meaning of positivity and grit in the face of adversity. We are so proud to know him and call him our Hero.
Love Always,
Team Hutch