The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region

When Lance Kopplin of Rhinelander developed a small lump in his eyelid in January 2006, it appeared to be only a sty. But the lump continued to grow, and to the family's horror, it turned out to be a rare childhood cancer called orbital embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Lance, then six years old, bravely went through six months of weekly chemotherapy treatments at UW Madison and at the Beck Cancer Center in Rhinelander, and five weeks of radiation therapy at a special facility in Boston, Massachusetts. When his treatment ended in June of 2006, the family thought the battle was won and held a celebration in Lance's honor.

Just a few months later, during a routine follow-up appointment in October, 2006, it was discovered that the cancer had returned in the same location. Since cancer recurrence is much more serious and difficult to treat, the best chance for a good outcome was to go to Will's Eye Institute in Philadelphia and have a radical eye surgery. In this surgery on November 30th, the eye and all the contents of the socket were removed. The Kopplins rejoiced for a few days after being told that all of the cancer been removed.

When the pathology report showed concern that the tumor removed was extremely aggressive, there was a quick decision to start on another complete course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, while plans were still underway, the tumor found its way to Lance's brain. The Kopplins have been told that the tumor is inoperable, and treatment options are limited.

After a six week course of daily radiation treatments are completed in Madison at the end of January, the Kopplins and their doctors will be searching for the next option, which may involve experimental chemotherapy, a second opinion from a neurosurgeon in California, or a trip to St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis.

Lance, the son of Kevin and Jolene Kopplin of Rhinelander, has one sister Samantha (9), and two brothers, Addison (6) and Mitchell (5). Lance's grandparents are Leonard and Patricia Bruyette of Rhinelander, and Donald and Carol Kopplin of Merrill. Friends and supporters of the Kopplin family have recognized the devastating toll this lengthy battle has had on the family, requiring both Kevin and Jolene to take extensive family medical leave time away from work. In addition, the emotional battle for a family facing childhood cancer is insurmountable.

Friends and supporters invite all members of the Northwoods communities to join in a benefit in Lance's honor called “Living Strong for Lance” to be held Saturday, February 24th starting at 2 pm and extending into the evening. Visitors will enjoy live music, D.J., food, drawings, prizes, a bake sale, and activities for children. More details will follow.

There will be an open planning meeting on January 25 at 6 pm at the Taj Mahal, 1540 Pueblo Drive (off Hwy 17 North), Rhinelander. Anyone interested in helping s welcome to attend. Individuals and businesses are asked to participate by donating goods or services for auction or drawings, offering monetary support, helping promote the event, or volunteering to work during the event.

For more information contact: Jane Wagner, Elcho, 275-3134, froghop@newnorth.net; Sue Mackowski, Elcho, 275-5399, smack10@frontiernet.net, Tamra Kegler, Antigo, tamrakegler@thrivent.com.

Monetary donations can be sent to: Northwoods National Bank P.O. Box 7, Elcho, WI 54428 or Northwoods National Bank 1255 Lincoln St. Rhinelander, 54501.

Tell us what you think...

Comments »

Patrick Bruyette wrote on May 27, 2008 9:47 AM:

" Hello I am Patrick Bruyette, I am Lances "Big Cousin" and I would like the people who have read this to know, that you will never meet a happier more imaginative little boy. When told that he was going to have one eye, his response was "cool". Even as I sat with him in Madison he seemed just as happy as anyone can be even with one eye and all the tubes. He is an inspiration to me, and I am sure he is to many other people "

Marsha Jordan wrote on Jan 28, 2007 5:19 PM:

" The HUGS and HOPE Foundation for Sick Children (a national nonprofit right here in Rhinelander) would love to help this family, and other families like them, in any way we can. We encourage anyone who knows of a sick child to either contact us about us the child or to have the child's parents contact our group at 282-7271. "

The comments above are from readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Rhinelander Daily News.