Nothing Will Stop This Childhood Bone Cancer Survivor

In the midst of all the crime, corruption and negativity that so often fills the news, there are wonderful stories of positive attitudes, hard work and success. We call them "feel good stories." Menifee 24/7 reporter Jillianne Hayes is in search of stories such as this one and will share them with our readers. If you have a "feel good story" you'd like to share with us, email her at jillianne.hayes@gmail.com.

This is  Kane Van Slyke and his grandmother, Lorna-Lei Love. They are residents of Menifee. Kane is the most remarkable little boy with the biggest outlook on life. This picture was taken as a result of some heartwarming circumstances.

Kane, who's 8 years old, wanted very much to play football this season with his best pal Andrew. Sadly, he had some health obstacles to hurdle first.

In August 2013, Kane was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of cancer. Through aggressive treatments and because of his positive attitude, Kane was declared cancer free last spring. Unfortunately, doctors had to take his left leg.

According to www.cancer.org, osteosarcoma is the most common type of cancer that develops in bone. Like the osteoblasts in normal bone, the cells that form this cancer make bone matrix. But the bone matrix of an osteosarcoma is not as strong as that of normal bones.

Love recalls the pivotal point in Kane's health journey with tears in her eyes.

"Kane had this awful pain in his leg for two months straight," she said. "It would not go away. We finally took him to the doctor to see why this growing pain of his wouldn't leave him.”

As his grandmother continued the story, Kane listened nearby and nodded his head in agreement. In the distance, on the sideline of the football field, a small black wheelchair was waiting for Kane. It was placed there just in case he tires out too quickly. Next to it was a sports chair. But it was very clear that Kane had no plans to sit on the sidelines on this day.

“When we found out what was wrong and that a donor was not available to him, I looked up prosthetic legs online and asked him to choose his favorite one," Love said. "He chose one and didn't ask any questions.

“Then I asked him, 'Do you know why I had you pick out this prosthetic leg, Kane?' He shook his head no. Then I told him that the surgeon needed to take his leg, but he would replace it with this new, cool one. Kane only had one question.

"He said, 'Grandma, when I die and I meet Jesus, will he give me my leg back?' "

With tears in her eyes, Love responded in the best way she could.

“Well yes, of course honey," she recalls saying. "We are all restored to our perfect bodies in heaven.”

Love is still amazed by Kane's positive attitude through the entire experience.

“He was so strong through the whole thing," she said. "Even after the amputation, he was still so positive about the experience. He kept telling me that he could still feel the leg and that it was somewhere really cold."

What Kane said next was another testament to his positive attitude and faith.

"I know why the leg is so cold," he said. "It’s because it’s a long trip to heaven. I bet they have to keep it cold until they can get it to Jesus, so he can save it for me.”

On this day, the football players he has always longed to join chose to honor him.

Kane's best pal Andrew knew how much Kane wanted to play football this season. Andrew's mother asked his youth football team to allow Kane to partake in any part of the game possible. They obliged the request by allowing Kane to take the field, wearing a team jersey, to greet the opposing team prior to the kickoff. 

Kane was not able to play the game, but both he and his grandma are hopeful that this will be one step closer to making his dream come true in the near future.

“He’s doing really well now," Love said. "He keeps asking if he can be athletic. I have told him that there isn't anything he can’t do now. He wants to play sports, but I think the leagues are hesitant to allow him to play because of the safety issues. You know, that new awesome leg could actually hurt someone.”

Love has already spoken with the prosthetic specialist and has been assured there is a way for them to make the running prosthesis safer to use while participating in contact sports.

All the boys donned a yellow ribbon with Kane’s name on it to show support of his amazing journey. The boys walked Kane onto the field to greet the other team and shake hands.

As the game got started, Kane got to watch from the sidelines as his pal Andrew played. 

"Kane is very mobile and has only had this cool new leg for about two weeks," his grandmother said. "The day Kane was discharged from the hospital, he had his first prosthesis. Kane was adamant that he would walk out of the hospital. He wanted to show the nurses and physicians his gratitude for saving him, and he did. He walked out of the hospital very shortly after his amputation."

For now, Kane's support from family and friends are with him every step, including his goal of participating in athletics. Football is his favorite sport. 

"He is interested in other sports as well, but he wants to play football like his friends," Love said. "You know, just to be like any other little boy."

When asked about his favorite team, Kane lifted up his jersey and pointed to the cup of his prosthesis at a team decal.

“Look right here. I love the 49ers,” he said.

Nothing will stop Kane from keeping a positive outlook. Kane is strong and fierce, yet gentle with a heart of gold. Kane, you are truly an amazing inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story.

For more details about Kane and information regarding support you would like to donate toward his pursuit of athletics, email the author at jillianne.hayes@gmail.com.