Collin is a social butterfly who loves to make people laugh. He’s passionate about karate, from chopping boards in half, to using swords, to sparing on the mats and showing off fancy footwork. He and his buddies also love to bust out their fancy footwork at dances. He’s a fan of Alabama Football and everything that comes with it. Going fishing or enjoying jubilees in Mobile Bay, AL are his favorite summertime activities.  

At the age of 4, and then again at 5, Collin was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He had a complete bone marrow transplant, and became cancer-free for 12 years. He was able to live life to the fullest with his sweet and loving spirit that captivated others and made them smile and feel loved in turn. 

Unfortunately, in January 2023, Collin’s parents noticed dime-sized lump on his neck. They thought it might be a swollen gland, and even with antibiotics it continued to grow. When they looked into it further, Collin was diagnosed with cancer again – this time, stage 3 mucoepidermoid carcinoma. 

The tumor doctors removed from his neck was huge. Then during the two weeks after receiving plastic surgery, Collin found his cancer was growing again. Proton therapy was his best option, so he began the six-week treatment twice-a-day. Every 21 days, Collin also had targeted therapy. Today, he is in the hospital for pneumonia. 

Collin is truly his family's hero. He is the strongest kid they have ever known, and his grandparents even call him Superman. Collin’s mom, Amanda, wants others with childhood cancer heroes to know that “God is always with you! You're never alone! You truly find strength when you don't think you can go anymore." Her hope for the future is that Collin shows the world that with Jesus you can truly walk through storms that should have taken you out. 

Through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Amanda believes in being able to find a cure for children with cancer. Seeing them able to grow up and give testimonies of overcoming such a giant tragedy is awe-inspiring. 

Information provided by Amanda K., Collin’s mom 
Updated June 2023