Hi all, my name is Jamie Hegemier and I am William’s sister-in-law and Candis’ sister. I wanted an opportunity for all our family and friends near and far to come show their support!

**UPDATE**

William Paul Landers, III at the age of 46 quietly passed away at home on September 4, 2021 surrounded by his loving family after his courageous battle with cancer. William was born November 4, 1974 in Louisville, KY to William and Sharon Landers (Schasberger). He grew up in Henryville, IN where he was an avid basketball and track athlete. William was a lifelong learner and held two Masters degrees, an MBA in Accounting and a Masters in Forensic Psychology. William and his wife Candis resided in Sarasota, FL while raising their beautiful children. He enjoyed attending his children’s activities, his love for cycling and volunteering within his community. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon Landers (Schasberger). William was survived by his father, William Landers, JR. (Paula), brother, James Hunt, wife, Dr. Candis Castorani and his five beloved children, Courtney, Jaelyn, William IV, Sophia, and Mia. The family thanks everyone for their condolences during this difficult time. A private ceremony will be held for immediate family on Sunday, September 19, 2021.

Cancer is a scary word no one likes to hear, primarily when it affects someone you love.  This is all too familiar to our family.  As the physical, emotional, and financial pressures arise, we take refuge in the love and support from our friends.   Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers.

The story of William's courageous trek through stage IV metastatic renal cell carcinoma begins in October 2019.  With severe pain in his right arm, William received an ultrasound revealing blood clots.  Concerned with the clots, the doctors ordered a chest, abdomen, and pelvis CT scan. These initial scans discovered Renal Cell Carcinoma (kidney cancer).  Florida Cancer Center completed multiple CT and MRI scans to find cancer had already progressed to Stage 4, metastasizing to the bone, brain, and kidney. With his health rapidly declining, William met obstacles such as having to be on oxygen and starting a medication regimen.  With new technology and cancer advances, William began immunotherapy treatments of Keytruda and Inlyta, a targeted drug therapy.
William's health rapidly improved; this treatment showed great promise. He was able to get back on his bike and be a present father in his kid's lives, which include Courtney (23), Jaelyn (18), Will (15), Sophia (6), and most recently, Mia (10 months).  He made improvements pretty rapidly and was on what seemed to be a miracle drug combo. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end at some point. Despite being healthy enough to continue working full time, taking kids to school, watching baseball games, and taking care of a newborn, William started noticing some changes around August 2020. At this point, Candis was well into her third trimester with Mia and dealing with pregnancy complications.   

In September 2020, William had a nephrectomy to remove the tumor and kidney.  In October, Mia was born.  William began to experience increased levels of pain towards the end of 2020.  By February 2021, William's pain was so intense he was struggling to work and sleep. Updated scans revealed that the brain Mets held stable; however, lymph nodes were starting to pop up cancerously through the juggler and in his rib. 
Pressed for options, William volunteered to test a clinical trial that paired Keytruda (immunotherapy) with a new drug. Unfortunately, the trial was not a success and was discontinued. 

William undertook chemotherapy, which had its collage of obstacles that included bowel issues, a trip to the ER and hospital stay, more fatigue, and an excess of pain. William shed weight at every doctor's visit.  His pain became unmanageable; he would sleep between 20-22 hours a day.  He has been unable to perform independent tasks, and his cognitive ability significantly declined. On 8/11/2021 latest MRI images revealed that William was having stroke activity, which accounts for the memory loss and confusion.  

While the future remains uncertain, it certainly takes a village to get through times like these.  It is humbling how much our village wants to give support, but many do not know how to give it.   Managing the everyday needs and expenses associated with William's medications, cancer treatment, and care has impacted the family financially.  We have created this fundraiser as an avenue for those to give support to our family.  We have set a goal to raise enough money to cover William's current and unforeseen medical expenses and end-of-life care.  

Thank you all for coming together in support of our family.  "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken".  

With sincere gratitude