CarsonConfrontsCancer Memorial Funds 4 Foundation
Carson Lee Thelen was born in Houston, Texas on May 20, 2003 to Chris & Sonya Thelen. From the time he was born, Carson was a light and joy to those who were blessed to know him. He loved fiercely and took on life with a unique perspective, as well as an unmatched determination. As a close friend eloquently stated, “I’ve never met someone with such an open mind and inviting heart.”
As a young boy, Carson was involved in youth sports, church, Boy Scouts, Chess Club, piano, band, and wanted every type of animal as a pet. He excelled in all things academic, consistently made the A Honor Roll, maintained his place in the top 5 % of his high school class, and was looking forward to obtaining his IB diploma from Magnolia ISD. Carson had a very playful side and was known for his frequent witty, drop-the-mic comments, his mischievous nature, numerous pranks, and a smile that warmed our hearts. Carson looked forward to & relished in the moments he got to spend with family at the deer lease, the cabin in Minnesota, playing with his 3 siblings, and attending A&M football games. Carson was gifted with extraordinarily creative intelligence. He designed and constructed ultimate gaming computers, was a wizard at math and technology, had a gift of writing, was enthralled with philosophy, was passionate about reading, loved painting,....and God help you if you ever got into a debate with him. After being diagnosed with a rare pediatric cancer just before his 17th birthday, he decided he would pursue degrees in chemical engineering and medicine in order to become the most impactful Oncology Researcher. Carson’s journey made a tremendous impact through social media. His positive attitude, determination, strength and love led thousands of people to unite in heightened faith, and the world witnessed as this boy led thousands to Christ. Carson spent countless hours in awe and appreciation of the number of people praying for him, and he was emphatically thankful for the abundance of love & support from both his online and local communities. Through his social media following, Carson raised over $85,000 for cancer research. He also worked on projects with the Sarcoma Foundation, as well as Peel Therapeutics. Cancer didn’t define Carson; Carson defined cancer. While going through aggressive treatment for stage 4 cancer, he went on an amazing hunting trip with Texas Boys Outdoors, went on several fishing trips, traveled to Minnesota, went skiing in Colorado for the first time (and learned to snowboard!), and celebrated his 18th birthday in Hawaii. He embraced every second of life with an eagerness to experience and soak it all in.
Carson also had a fervent desire to influence and help others. He often declared, “I want to do my part to be sure other kids don’t have to go through what I’m going through. We have to do better. We have to find a cure.” In keeping with this spirit, Carson registered to donate his tumor tissue to Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute in the event of his death. His family also made a commitment to Carson to continue his endeavors by developing the CarsonConfrontsCancer Foundation. Carson’s organization will work to advocate for and support critically ill pediatric patients, as well as provide resources for innovative cancer research. Carson wanted to leave a legacy. He wanted to be remembered. He wanted to make our world a better place.
Carson wasn’t able to live the life on earth that he hoped to live, so we must go forth and do it for him. Live your best life today: spend time with your friends & loved ones, love God and love others, seize moments, find joy in all circumstances, make a positive impact on the world around you, tell someone you love them.
Carson is survived by his three siblings, whom he loved with all his heart: Caleb, Colby & Carissa Thelen. He is also survived by his mom, Sonya Thelen Meldahl, and his dad, Christopher Thelen; grandparents Bob & Marilyn Thelen, Genie Wood & Ted Becker, and David & Eileen Wood; as well as by uncles Mark Thelen & wife Jessica, David Thelen, Marlon Wood & wife Chin, David Wood Jr; aunts Bea Wood and Fei Wood; stepfamily Eric Meldahl (stepdad), Carson Meldahl (stepbrother), Brian Meldahl, Barbara Naftolin, Dave & Jane Meldahl, Mike & Stacey Pashall, & Alysen and Matt Weller; numerous cousins, family members, and friends; as well as his dogs Harley, Auggie, Cowboy, and Maggie, and of course, his kitten, Lorax. He is preceded in death by his older sister, Grace Annabelle Thelen & his aunt, Michelle Thelen.
In lieu of flowers, we request donations to @CarsonConfrontsCancer so we can carry on the work that he began. Carson's mom, Sonya Thelen Meldahl, is the direct beneficiary of all funds raised here. She will be working to launch this organization in order to impact pediatric cancer.
Sonya's goal is for The CarsonConfrontsCancer Foundation to support critically ill pediatric patients and innovative cancer research programs such as the PEEL Therapeutics Clinical Trial for Rhabdomyosarcoma. You may donate via venmo (@CarsonConfrontsCancer), the CarsonConfrontsCancer facebook page, or mail to CarsonConfrontsCancer 6606 FM 1488 STE 312, Magnolia, Tx 77354. ♡