Meet Evan Rennicke & The Rennicke Family
Evan Rennicke is a resilient and spirited sixth-grade boy who faces a unique journey as he battles cancer with unwavering courage. In the midst of this formidable fight, Evan’s story is one of inspiration, determination, and the remarkable power that can be found in the heart of a young warrior.
This story unfolds as a testament to hope, faith, and the remarkable strength of a community and so many wonderful organizations coming together during an unimaginable period. The Rennicke Family, courageously opening up about their challenges, experienced an overwhelming outpouring of support from numerous individuals who stepped forward to lend a helping hand. It serves as a poignant reminder that, truly, it takes a village. Our goal in sharing their narrative is not only to illuminate their journey but also to inspire others to stand united in times of adversity. Each day, their unwavering faith becomes a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Be Brave Like Evan!
Imagine your world turning upside down. From the joy of ordinary parenting to the gut-wrenching reality that your child has cancer. In an instant, everything you know shatters into confusion. You question every detail of your child’s journey. What happened during pregnancy, at birth, and the choices made in nourishment.
People are quick to share their thoughts, and it feels like falling down a rabbit hole of advice. Hospital stays become oddly routine, with machines providing both comfort and a touch of anxiety. When treatments pause, relief plays hide-and-seek, hiding behind a hint of worry. Navigating the peculiar dance of your child’s medical journey is a bit like a rollercoaster ride, complete with the occasional MRI-induced butterflies.
Medical terms become a foreign language during Google adventures. Google, our sometimes-helpful sidekick, turns into a bit of a riddle. Every aspect of life goes through some wild shifts, and keeping up with all the medical stuff feels like trying to catch a runaway train. In the middle of all this chaos, you look at your kid, the one you’re supposed to shield, and realize the diagnosis isn’t changing. It feels like you’ve hit pause on help and play on frustration.
Dealing with treatments, unexpected side effects, and life-altering decisions become a juggling act against the relentless tick-tock of the clock. Every choice has its own spotlight. Your child, well, they become a bit of a rockstar, forever changed from the diagnosis day. On October 19, 2022, Evan’s life did a somersault. Suddenly, they got the title of parents to a child in a not-so-fun game of battling cancer. Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month? It’s not just a September thing; it’s an everyday superhero challenge.
His eyes don’t show hurt or pain. Rather, they are bold and confident in the Lord’s promises to keep and protect. But they were scared.
Cancer might throw some curveballs, but Evan? He’s rocking the courage like a true champ. ????????????????
Q: When were you diagnosed and what is your diagnosis?
Evan was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma on October 19th of 2022.
Q: How did you feel when you were first diagnosed?
His Mom & Dad said upon receiving the initial diagnosis, it felt as though we were abruptly transported into an entirely different reality, as if someone had whisked us away overnight.
Q: Who/what/where did you turn to?
The Rennicke’s primary source of support was family, but their friends and church community went above and beyond in ways they couldn’t have anticipated! Fundraising events and generous contributions from their church not only provided financial relief but also empowered them to confront the impending burden of medical costs.
Q: What (if any) additional outlets could you have used/turned to that you do not feel you had at the time?
Our Pastors consistently visited our home to offer uplifting support during this challenging period. The weekly meals generously provided by fellow members of St. Matthew’s church not only sustained us but also offered welcome respites from the kitchen after enduring long days of treatments. This was particularly crucial during the six weeks when we underwent Proton Radiation Therapy at Northwestern Medical in Illinois.
Q: How did you choose to share your diagnosis with Evan?
The Rennicke’s stated that Evan was present with them when they received the diagnosis call. While they didn’t avoid sharing the news with him, they did need to frame it in “kid terms” to ensure he could better understand the challenges that lay ahead for him.
Q: What was your biggest parenting challenge during cancer treatment and into survivorship?
The Rennicke’s most significant hurdle throughout this entire cancer journey has been coming to terms with the fact that this is their new reality. It’s a reality they must accept, and while it’s not easy, they acknowledge it’s okay. The key is to adapt and face it head-on.
Q: Any words of wisdom to others who may be battling cancer?
Navigating through cancer can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to break it down into manageable bits and pieces. Focus on winning each day and live in day-tight compartments. Remember, tackling a challenge like this is akin to eating an elephant- one bite at a time!
Q: What kinds of things did you do to distract Evan when he was going through treatments (either at home or at the hospital… Or both)?
Evan received a boat through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which turned out to be a fantastic distraction for him throughout the summer. He and his siblings thoroughly enjoyed fishing, swimming, and tubing with Evan’s boat!
Q: Could you describe how sharing your story has affected your journey with Cancer?
The Rennicke’s stated that sharing Evan’s story has introduced them to numerous new connections. Individuals they hadn’t known just months ago are now friends, bonded by their shared experience of facing a similar cancer battle. Many have been a source of upliftment and encouragement throughout their struggle. They are deeply grateful for the love they have shown them!
Q: Where are you now in your journey with Cancer?
The treatment finish line is in sight! Evan successfully completed his six weeks of Proton Radiation Therapy. He’s currently undergoing his 23rd session out of 27 for Chemotherapy. His last treatment will conclude shortly after Christmas- a truly tremendous and heartwarming gift for the holiday season! Throughout his treatments, Evan managed to brighten all our days by sporting a collection of delightfully funny socks during his treatments.
Q: What “words of wisdom” and/or advice would you give anyone facing Cancer or another life-threatening illness?
To acknowledge your blessings and live each day with gratitude! Embrace the uncertainty of the number of days you have and approach each one as if it were your last, finding joy in every moment. This is the valuable lesson Evan has learned about living life to the fullest.
About Evan Rennicke
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Evan resides with his parents and has a younger brother, Owen, and a younger sister, Avery. Until recently, they shared their home with a beloved Labrador Retriever named Beckley, who unfortunately succumbed to lung cancer. Beckley held a special place in Evan’s heart as “his dog.” They enjoyed hunting together, shared playful moments around the house, and Beckley even slept next to Evan’s bed. Her absence is deeply felt, and she is greatly missed by the family.
Q: Explain a time you wanted to give up but didn’t?
Every time they de-access Evan’s internal port, he contemplates giving up. By the end of the treatment, the numbing cream has worn off, making the removal of the inch-long needle quite sensitive. It’s a “darkest just before dawn” scenario for him, as he realizes that once it’s out, the treatment is over, and he can go home. Despite the daunting task, Evan grits his teeth, squeezes his parents’ hands, and confidently declares to the nurse, “I’m ready!”
Q: What do you love about Lake Country area?
Evan has a deep appreciation for the lakes and shops in Lake Country. One of our cherished family activities is strolling around Fowler Lake, followed by a delightful treat of Gelosi Gelato or ice cream at Whelan’s or Mullen’s.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Evan is passionate about sports and outdoor activities. He has engaged in football and baseball, is currently trying his hand at basketball this year, and also participates in cross country running. Beyond sports, Evan enjoys fishing and hunting. This fall, he was fortunate to harvest a bear and a remarkable 19-point buck, thanks to the support of two distinct cancer kid support groups.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
The hardest part of getting to where we are now is dealing with anxiety and fear. We call it “Scanxiety,” and it’s a tough challenge. Moving from the treatment to the scan part means he has to get MRI scans every three months for the next two years and then less often after that. We know it’s normal to feel a bit nervous, but we try really hard not to let it take over everything. We pray a lot, hoping that the cancer stays away.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents stand as beacons of inspiration in my life, especially during the challenging journey of battling cancer. Their resilience, unwavering faith, and trust in the Lord serve as powerful guiding lights, illuminating the path towards hope and strength. Witnessing their courage in the face of adversity inspires me daily to be a better person and to approach life’s trials with a similar steadfast spirit. Their enduring love, optimism, and reliance on faith instill in me the belief that, even in the darkest moments, there is a wellspring of strength within us, guided by the trust placed in the divine. Their example encourages me to face challenges head-on, armed with faith, and to always strive to be a source of strength and positivity for those around me.
Q: If you were a drink, what would you be?
If Evan were a drink, he’d undoubtedly be a Kona Ice with Tiger’s Blood. The mere mention of Kona Ice rolling into baseball games, events, or cruising through our neighborhood brings sheer joy to him. The vibrant and flavorful experience of a Kona Ice treat perfectly mirrors Evan’s lively and spirited personality.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Spending time with my family and friends, as well as engaging in the sports that I am passionate about.
Q: What Grade are you in?
Evan is currently a sixth-grade student at the recently established St. Matthew’s School.
