Waylon is the sweetest, happiest, most determined little boy. He loves adventures and being outside, playing t-ball, riding his four-wheeler, playing with his dogs, and spending time with his family. Even at 5 years old, he has a big personality and an incredible ability to find joy in the little things, even after everything he has been through. He is super brave, although he would probably tell you he is just being himself.

On December 2024, Waylon began vomiting and seemed increasingly tired. His parents knew something wasn’t right, so they took him to doctor after doctor—eight doctors in total—trying to figure out what was happening. Eventually, an eye exam was the turning point: Waylon was sent to the hospital upon the eye doctor’s request, where he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma on February 3, 2025. He was only 3 years old.

Waylon and his family’s lives were completely changed in that moment. “One day we were raising a happy, healthy little boy, and the next we were learning words no parent should ever have to learn,” shared Renee, Waylon’s mom.

So far, Waylon’s treatment has been long, intense, and incredibly difficult. He underwent brain surgery and proton radiation treatments, completing 30 rounds of radiation on April 30, 2025. Then came months and months of chemotherapy that included several medications, one of which was vincristine. This caused significant neuropathy and toe drop, which affected his balance and ability to walk normally. He needed physical and occupational therapy and even leg braces.

Chemotherapy also caused countless other challenges like hospital stays, blood draws, electrolyte problems, medications, exhaustion, and the constant fear of what the next scan or lab result might bring. His hearing was also affected by treatment. Today it is monitored closely.

During this time, Waylon and his family were able to get to these important treatments with help from Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF)’s Travel For Care program, which provided them gas cards to ease the burden on driving from their home in Wisconsin all the way to Illinois. “We are incredibly grateful for everything ALSF does for childhood cancer families and for the ways they continue to support us,” said Renee.

Waylon’s final round of chemotherapy was April 23, 2026, and he had his port removed in July.

While his family desperately wanted to believe that meant the hardest part was behind them, Waylon’s follow-up MRI in August showed a new area of concern along his spine. His doctors believe it could be reactive nerve-root enhancement, but because of Waylon’s history they cannot simply assume that. He underwent a spinal tap, which thankfully showed no cancer cells. His MRI on September 11 also continued to show he was stable! He has another MRI on November 11, but his family is hopeful it is just an irritated nerve ending from radiation.

Even though treatment has ended, the fear hasn’t. Waylon’s family is still living scan to scan, holding onto hope.

“ALSF has been such an important source of support for our family throughout Waylon’s cancer journey,” said Renee. “The resources ALSF provides have meant so much. The information, guidance, and especially the SuperSibs program have been incredibly helpful as we navigate childhood cancer not only with Waylon, but also with his brother, Arlyn. Having resources that recognize the impact cancer has on the entire family has made us feel less alone throughout this journey.”

Renee also shared that Arlyn organized a lemonade stand fundraiser last year. “Arlyn wanted to do something to help other kids like his brother, and with the help of ALSF, he raised more than $1,000 to give back to the Foundation,” said Renee.

Today, Waylon is doing well and was able to start Kindergarten!

For his whole family, Waylon is their biggest inspiration, and their biggest hero.

“One of the things that amazes me most about Waylon is how resilient he is,” said Renee. “He has been through things no child should ever have to experience, yet he still finds reasons to laugh, play, and be excited about life.

“Waylon is my hero because he has taught me what true strength looks like.

“He was 3 years old when cancer turned his world upside down. He didn’t understand why he had to have surgery, why he had to be sedated, why he couldn’t just go home, or why he had to keep going back to the hospital. He didn’t understand why his body hurt or why he couldn’t always do the things other kids could do.

“And yet, he kept going. I have watched my little boy fight a battle that I would have given anything to fight for him. I have watched him be scared and still be brave. I have watched him hurt and still choose joy. Somehow, he still finds reasons to smile.

“Waylon is my hero because he has shown me that courage isn’t the absence of fear. Courage is being afraid and continuing forward anyway.

“He has fought harder in his five years of life than most people ever will, and he continues to inspire everyone around him.

“He is our Warrior Waylon—and no matter what comes next, I will forever be amazed by the strength of this little boy.”

Information provided by Renee W., Waylon’s mom
Update September 2026