Ethan was an incredibly hardworking, hands-on young man who found genuine joy in staying active and figuring out how things worked. In his free time, he poured his energy into working at The Tin Plate, his uncle’s restaurant, showing a deep sense of family loyalty and a strong work ethic rare for a 16-year-old. When he wasn't helping out at the family business, he was completely in his element tinkering with small engines, using his natural problem-solving skills to fix what was broken, and experiencing the pure freedom of riding his minibike. He was the kind of person who loved a good challenge, valued a hard day's work, and possessed a vibrant, adventurous spirit that left a lasting impact on everyone around him.

For more than a year and a half, Ethan struggled with urinary problems and persistent pain. Every doctors visit ended the same way: they were told Ethan had a standard urinary tract infection. On February 22, 2025, Ethan even underwent a CT scan that was “clear”, but medical professionals had missed something. By October that same year, Ethan’s pain became unbearable and he was struggling to urinate. His family took him to the ER, where doctors ordered another CT scan. This time, it revealed a tumor the size of a softball between Ethan’s bladder and prostate.

Ethan was rushed to a children’s hospital where he underwent PET scans, a tumor biopsy, and more CT scans with contrast. That Friday, on October 11, 2025, Ethan was diagnosed with stage IV refractory embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS). It had already spread to his left femur and lungs.

Ethan celebrated his Sweet 16th birthday the next day, on October 12th, right before he began treatment.

He had a port placed and a bone marrow biopsy done, then started VAC chemotherapy. About a month later, his family felt hopeful when repeat scans showed the chemotherapy was working. But in December, new scans showed Ethan had stopped responding to VAC chemo, so his doctors immediately switched his treatment to VIT chemo. This meant Ethan had to travel to Cincinnati to endure 28 rounds of proton therapy while continuing the chemo at the same time.

“The Travel For Care program was an absolute lifeline for us when we had to leave Indiana for Ethan's specialized treatment,” said Kamry, Ethan’s mom. “During his six weeks of proton therapy in Cincinnati, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) paid for our entire stay. As a single mother raising four boys, trying to balance hospital stays, travel expenses, and being away from my other children was completely exhausting and heartbreaking. Having ALSF step in to cover our lodging removed a massive financial and emotional burden, allowing me to focus entirely on standing beside Ethan while he underwent those 28 grueling rounds of radiation.”

Finally, by the end of February, Ethan could return home to Indiana to continue his care. However, during an appointment in March, Ethan mentioned a new pain. An X-ray revealed the devastating truth—the cancer had spread again, and the second regimen had unfortunately failed. Kamry sat down with Ethan and both of them cried. One of Ethan’s options was to stop treatment and start palliative care. But Ethan looked at his mom and said words she will never forget:

“I’m too young to die. I’m going to fight until I can’t anymore.”

And so the decision was made. All of Ethan’s care was transferred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where he was given five days of radiation to target the painful new spots. But after only a round and a half, Ethan's pain came back, and scans confirmed this third chemotherapy was failing too.

Even after crying together with his doctor, Ethan still refused to give up. Desperate to slow down the disease enough that Ethan could enter a clinical trial, they tried one last chemo treatment alongside another five days of radiation. But Ethan’s body had been through too much.

Sadly, on June 21, 2026, Ethan passed away.

“As Ethan’s mother, looking back at my son's treatment experience is incredibly heavy, because he left us after fighting with every ounce of strength he had,” said Kamry. “Watching him go through that grueling journey was the hardest thing I have ever faced, but his bravery during those months showed me a level of courage I cannot even put into words. Through every single needle stick, scan, and failed treatment, Ethan never stopped fighting for the future he dreamed of having.”

At a time when he should have been focusing on high school, friends, and his future, Ethan was thrust into a grueling, aggressive, and terrifying medical battle no 16-year-old should ever have to face. Ethan is forever Kamry’s hero, and a hero to all who knew him.

Kamry also hopes to get more involved with ALSF in the future. “ALSF was there for us during one of the darkest times of our lives, and I want to honor Ethan's incredible bravery by supporting their mission and helping other families who are fighting the same battle we did,” Kamry said.

Information provided by Kamry D., Ethan’s mom
Updated September 2026