Dylan Shumaker

Dylan Shumaker loves all sports, but wrestling is hands-down his favorite. So, at his most recent medical checkup in August, the almost-17-year-old was understandably nervous. Then Dylan got the news he’d been hoping for. His cancer scans in May 2013 had been good, the neurosurgeon said, but these were even better. Most importantly, he told Dylan that he could wrestle again for Bremen (Ind.) High School this winter. “I had no words at all for 10 seconds,” Dylan says. “And then I was just like, ‘Wow. Thanks!’”

In June 2012, Dylan was diagnosed with a spinal cord cancer called myxopapillary ependymoma, a tumor that arises from a tissue of the central nervous system. He underwent surgery at Riley Hospital for Children and had 33 proton radiation treatments, completing treatment in October 2012. Although he had to sit out wrestling last season, he stayed close to the mat, cheering on his teammates and earning the team’s Guts Award. 

Dylan’s commitment to school and athletics inspired everyone around him. Despite missing classes for six weeks, the junior was inducted into the National Honor Society and will graduate with his class. He was back on the baseball field last spring and this fall replaced football with soccer. 

After his treatment, Dylan shared his Riley experiences at the March 2013 Bremen High School Dance Marathon. Both he and his sister Mickayla, a freshman, will participate in the next marathon. 

Supporting pediatric research is important to the Shumaker family. Given the unusual pattern of Dylan’s cancer, Riley oncologists asked his parents Mike and Kay to donate his surgically removed tumor to be banked for future studies. The family also participated in Plymouth, Indiana’s Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society this summer, where Dylan lit the Flame of Hope and led the survivor walk. 

Although Dylan is thrilled to get his old life back, he also knows that surviving cancer has changed him. “I’ve grown up a lot in the past year,” he explains. “I don’t get worried about the small stuff. I keep my eyes on the goals I have for myself.” 

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