Rally Around Landon: Surgery, Travel, and Recovery

On behalf of the Roper family, I have set up this GoFundMe to help Landon beat the latest challenge he is facing. Over the years, the support from the East County Community has been inspiring and the monetary donations have been an integral part in helping Landon get the treatment he needed since he was first diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in 2020.

He is facing a new challenge, and I am calling on our community to once again rally around him and his family and help ease the financial burden of the current treatment plan which will involve a complex surgery and a long recovery along with travel. Let's come together to make this happen for Landon so he can heal and move forward from this latest challenge that has been thrown at him! He has shown boundless strength and resilience over the years and deserves to face this next hurdle without the burden of how all the bills will be paid. At 18, learning to adult is hard enough without the added stressors this brings!

Every single donation makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.

From the Leslie, Landon's mom:

Hi, it's the Roper family, and we are reaching out today with a heartfelt request for support for Landon, who is 18. Recently, doctors discovered a small nodule in Landon’s left lung. Although it’s not causing any symptoms right now, it needs to be removed as a precautionary measure to ensure his long-term health.

After careful consideration, we’ve chosen the Cleveland Clinic for the surgery. They have specialized equipment and expert surgeons who can remove the nodule safely and effectively, minimizing the risks for Landon.

Why We Need Your Help

This surgery is critical, and it also comes with significant costs. Along with the surgery itself, we’re facing travel and accommodation expenses, including the need for transportation home after the procedure. Due to the nature of the surgery, Landon won’t be able to fly for at least six weeks because his lung will be temporarily deflated for surgery, making flying off-limits. As a result, on top of airfare to Cleveland, we’ll need to cover the cost of a train ride home, along with lodging, surgical deductibles and other recovery-related expenses while we’re in Cleveland. Our medical account that has kept us afloat the past 4 years from previous donations has finally been exhausted as of January this year.

Landon’s Story

Landon is a kind, bright, and resilient 18-year-old who has always been there for others. He's been battling Ewing Sarcoma since July 2020. After intensive treatment and invasive surgery following his initial diagnosis, he faced a relapse in October 2023 and beat Ewing Sarcoma for a second time but suffered many setbacks with the harsh treatment he received. He's currently doing phlebotomy to reduce the excess iron deposits from his organs and supplementing phosphate due to kidney damage. He's finally feeling healthy and living a semi-normal life considering what he endures from the ongoing appointments and treatment for side effects from chemo. On scans earlier this year, they discovered a new nodule in his left lung. They’ve rescanned multiple times over the last few months. Dr. Anderson at Cleveland Clinic feels the best route is to remove this nodule regardless of growth because he was not as responsive to his last chemo as they had hoped. (Growth signifies possible new cancer and although Landon is still considered “cancer free” right now, Dr. Anderson is being proactive with getting the nodule out sooner than later.) Landon is a true fighter and has shown extreme strength over the last four and a half years. His positive attitude, resilience and strength have inspired everyone around him, and even in the face of this latest challenge, he’s staying hopeful and determined.

This surgery is a critical step in ensuring Landon has a healthy future, and we want to make sure he gets the best possible care. We are asking for your support to help cover the costs of this necessary procedure and the travel expenses and medical expenses involved.

How You Can Help

We are hoping to raise enough funds to cover the transportation, lodging, and medical costs related to the surgery. Any contribution—no matter how big or small—will make a meaningful difference in ensuring Landon can get the care he needs and make the journey home safely.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this campaign with your friends and family. Every share helps spread the word and brings us one step closer to our goal.

Thank you so much for your kindness, support, and generosity. Your help means the world to us and will give Landon the opportunity to heal and move forward with his life.

With gratitude,

Leslie and Landon Roper