It was his parent's intuition, knowing something just wasn't right, that led to Xavier Valandra's dignosis of cancer.  It's a tough road to travel, but his parents feel secure that he's being treated in the best place possible and that he'll be o.k.

Inspiration.  This is the best word to describe Amada Allstot of Sioux Falls.  She was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 13.  The cancer led to the amputation of her leg.  She is the epitome of perseverance, strength and hope.

Though his parents held him in their arms for only 10 weeks, Bentley Lammers-Rethwisch will live in their hearts for a lifetime.  Bentley was from Crofton, Nebraska.

For many, being a teenager is about playing sports and hanging out with friends.  But, for Brandon Watterson, his days are instead, filled with chemotherapy, blood transfusions and radiation to treat his cancer.  He and his mom make numberous trips to Sioux Falls for these life-saving treatments, with the hope that one day, he can put this crisis behind him and look tward the future.

Clayton Horst was seven months old when he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma.  Instead of showing off their beautiful baby to friends and family, Clayton's parents had to keep him isolated to protect him from outside germs that could compromise his recovery.  His family made numerous trips to Sioux Falls from Ipswich for treatments.  Today, Clayton is cancer-free and able to venture into the world.

The fall of 2009 can only be described as an emotional rollercoaster for the Sichmeller family of Hartford.  Dad lost his job, Ty Sichmeller was diagnosed with cancer and then a baby brother was born.  Ty's cancer is currently in remission, but he still has a long road of treatment ahead of him.

Naysa Sechser of Hartford relies on her faith to get her through the rough times.  She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a cancer not usually found in children and teens.  She endured surgery and radiation and has high hopes for a continued clean bill of health.

The birth of a child is a joyous occasion.  But, for the parents and grandparents of little Sophia Riis-Christensen of Sioux Falls, a shadow appeared over their joy very quickly with the realization that their sweet baby had been born with a very rare cancer.  To save her life, her leg had to be amputated at just two months of age.  She continues to be treated with chemotherapy weekly to ensure there are no stray cancer cells waiting to cause more trouble.

Seth and Micha Fennema are two of four Fennema brothers.  One week apart in 2008, the family received unheard of news, both boys, just four and five at the time, were battling leukemia.

The Fennema family has tremendous faith, and the boys' parents feel Seth and Micah battling cancer together has made it easier for each.  They are handling their maintenance treatments well.  Treatments include steroids, medications, chemotherapy and spinal taps.  They are currently both in remission, but will endure treatments for three more years.  Click below to hear a musical montage we put together for the boys.  The song is "You Gotta Be" by Desree.

Ian Rinken's mother, who is a nurse, became concerned when she noticed some suspicious symptoms of cancer in her three-year-old son.  At that tender age, Ian was diagnosed with leukemia and began 36 months of treatment.  On a typical drive home one day while in remission at the age four, upon seeing a cemetery, Ian stated to his mother, "I'm not going to have to go live there."

As he has grown, he has shown such maturity, yet remained a dynamic young boy.  He once told his mom that he was like Harry Potter.  'Hagrid had said that Harry was the boy who lived,' and that's exactly what Ian has done.

Now a teenager, Ian is enjoying sports, including golf at Washington High School.

Click below to hear the musical montage that was made for Ian, set to the song "I'll Stand By You" by the Pretenders.

As a teenage girl who endured cancer, Kelsey Herr says, "You look back at everything and you realize how much you have gone through, and you know you can make it through anything else in life if you've gone through this."

Kelsey was active and athletic in high school, but one day she noticed something wasn't quite right.  After a CAT scan was done to check swollen lymph nodes, the doctor ordered a biopsy.  The results revealed cancer.  Kelsey began extensive treatments at Sanford Children's Hospital and completed them in January, 2008.  Kelsey now attends SDSU in Brookings.

Take a listen to Kelsey's musical montage, set to Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway."

As Cylie Pastian's classmates were picking out backpacks and planning their first day of fourth grade, she was about to start something much tougher...a battle with cancer.  Language suddenly included words like "osteosarcoma" - her diagnosis, a type of bone cancer; spelling included "chemotherapy"; physical education was replaced with physical therapy, after a painful surgery needed to remove her right femur and replace it with a cadaver bone and the fibula from her left leg.

Eventually, Cylie returned to the playground, and once her chemotherapy treatments ended, she was cancer free.

However, Cylie's cancer came back.  The second round was much tougher, including painful surgeries.  Incredibly, Cylie and her family, with the help and support of their friends and community, never backed down.  Once again, she is cancer free.

Cylie is now 13 and has visited SDSU several times.  She hopes to one day play basketball for the Jacks.  With her determination, there is no doubt it will happen.

As an all-American teenager, Hunter Bork enjoys football and track.  During one football season, Hunter suffered a broken leg, which eventually led to an MRI that revealed cancer.  Three days after his 18th birthday, Hunter was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancer of the bone.

Displaying the courage of an all-American teenager, Hunter chose to have his leg amputated in hopes of an opportunity to receive a prosthetic designed for running.  Hunter aspired to walk in time for his senior prom and did it.  He also plans to organize walks and runs to benefit cancer research and others that share his battle.  A true inspiration, a living example of being a survivor and a Cure Kids Cancer Hero, Hunter's advice to others facing adversity is, "Your spirit helps a lot.  Do what you feel is right.  Don't pity yourself."

Hunter's musical montage is set to the music of "Drive" by Incubus.

Olivia McIlravy came into this world a fighter...of cancer, that is.  She was born with Neuroblastoma, a cancer that affected her adrenal gland, bone marrow and liver.  At just 36 hours into her life, Olivia began chemotherapy treatments to fight the massive invader of her little body.

Today, Olivia is in remission.  In 2008, when asked about her fight, she replied, "I was cancered."  Her mother, along with anyone who knows her, describes Olivia as being "full of life."

Listen to Olivia's story, set to "Gravity" by John Mayer.

A routine, two-month well-baby exam turned out to be, not so routine for Zachary Gunderson.  Shockingly, he had cancer.  The Gunderson's learned that surgery would be impossible as the cancer had would itself around little Zachary's organs, so be began treatments.

Currently, Zachary is in remission.  As his parents watch him play with his older brother, doctors watch him closely to make sure cancer cells continue to die.

We've set Zachary's story to Carrie Underwood's hit song, "So Small."

At 15, Travis Falcon was diagnosed with cancer.  It was evident that he would need a bone marrow transplant.  The search began.  Having only a 5 percent chance that either parent would be a match, it was truly a miracle when his father was able to be his donor.

Travis handled the transplant very well, coming through the ordeal better than most.  In honor of his courage and bravery in this fight against cancer, Travis was presented with the Young Hero award by the National Guard.

Hear Travis Falcon's story set to Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time."

Mariah Matthies was born with Down Syndrome, but that didn't deter her or her parents.  They watch in awe as Mariah works so diligently to be able to do things others her age are doing.  She is strong.  However, her parents' faith was tested when she was diagnosed with cancer.   It was devastating to imagine fighting this battle, too.

Mariah's endurance has reminded them to remain strong in their faith, and of the importance of bedtime prayers.

Listen to the musical montage we put together for Mariah, set to Mariah Carey's "Hero."

Spencer Boner's journey with cancer started with what was thought to be a routine eye exam.  The family's world turned upside down when the "routine appointment" lead to a more extensive exam, and later that day they learned Spencer had a brain tumor.  Two days later, he went through brain surgery to remove the tumor.  A month later, he began a series of eight long rounds of chemotherapy.

Spencer's treatments were tough on this little body, and the experience was tough on the entire family.  However, they have persevered, and today Spencer is cancer-free!  His dream is to be a star goalie for a soccer team.

Spencer's musical montage is set to Phil Collins' song "You'll Be in My Heart."

At 16, Nick Kelly was an active athlete, enjoying soccer.  It was odd for him to feel tired, so when he experienced falling asleep in class and barely being able to walk to his car, he went to the doctor.  Blood tests revealed leukemia. Nick began chemotherapy treatments, which took a toll on him.  He had faced a long road with a lot of obstacles, so when a bone marrow biopsy showed signs of treatment having no effect on the cancer, Nick and his family were devastated.

A second bone marrow biopsy proved that Nick had beaten his odds and was in remission.  Nick and his family trust God brought them through this and has made them stronger.  Nick is currently attending college.

Nick's musical montage uses "Better Days" by the Goo Goo Dolls to help tell his story.

Logan Landsem is a survivor.  He is active and energetic, a true blessing to his family and friends that are thankful everyday for his strength and endurance.

Although he has been cancer free for a few years now, his mother remembers it vividly...the treatments, the fears.  She holds her breath every time Logan goes for scans to ensure the cancer is still gone.

Listen to the musical montage created for Logan, set to Hilary Duff's "Fly."

Adrienne Weidenbach is a sweet,  little girl that dreams of being a firefighter when she grows up.  Although other kids are playing outside and having fun, Adrienne remains strong, positive, and playful during her chemotherapy and radiation treatments at Sanford Children's Hospital.

Adrienne describes cancer as something that makes her hair fall out.

Adrienne's musical montage is set to "Angel" by Natasha Bedingfield.

At 12 years-old, Bryce Dryfout was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  He underwent surgery, radiation and treatment at Sanford.

At 21, Bryce is a cancer survivor.  he is a student at Dordt College and living life to the fullest.

Bryce is grateful for his experience at Camp Bring it On.  It made such an impact on him, that he plans to return again, as a counselor.

Hear Bryce, along with other kids who've fought cancer, talk about their experience in this musical montage set to "If Everyone Cared" by Nickelback.

When Ashlyn Kerr was one-year old, she was fighting a frightening battle:  cancer.  She received treatment and endured surgeries to help her fragile little body fight.  It was a long road for the entire family.

After two years, Ashlyn finished treatment and now returns to Sanford Children's every three months for check-ups and to ensure she continues to win her battle.

Ashlyn's story is highlighted in a musical montage set to Corey Hart's "Never Surrender."

Amanda Ode has endured cancer and its many facets, including surgeries and hair loss.  Despite her battles, she remains happy and has a positive outlook.

Amanda may be small for her age, but when you speak to her, she exudes intelligence, confidence and a spirit much bigger than her body.  She has uncommon strength about her, and you can bet that anything she faces, she will be successful!

Hear Amanda's story set the music of Jordin Sparks' "One Step at a Time."

Ayden Konakowitz went to the doctor for concern of an enlarged teste.  Little did the family know that visit would lead them on the long and arduous journey of their young son battling cancer.  Ayden underwent surgery to remove the original tumor and a kidney.  However, the cancer had spread throughout his body.  In December 2007, another tumor was removed from his lung.

Ayden's journey is told through a musical montage using the song "Broken" by Lifehouse.

Simply being a teenager is difficult enough, but Brianna Ishmael has been given an even greater challenge and has faced more difficulties than most.  At 16, she was diagnosed with cancer.  Brianna endured a very difficult 21/2 years of treatment, losing her hair to chemotherapy and having a tracheotomy.  In addition, many people whom she thought were her friends abandoned her, apparently unable to handle Brianna's challenges in addition to teenage life.

Through the darkness of cancer, a bright spot for Brianna has been the friendships she has established with the Child Life Specialists at Sanford Children's and with others fighting her same battle at Camp Bring it On.

Today, Brianna has finished her treatments, has a full head of beautiful red hair and aspires to work at Sanford Children's Hospital.

Hear Brianna talk about her experience in part of this musical montage set to "If Everyone Cared" by Nickelback.

He gets poked and prodded, but loves going to the doctor.  His parents credit the wonderful staff at Sanford Children's Hospital and Specialty Clinic for his lack of trepidation when it's time for a visit.

Ethan's story is told through a musical montage using "Whatever it Takes" by Lifehouse.

Casey Lint has faced many obstacles in her young life and persevered.  She was born to a drug addict, eight weeks premature and spent the first two weeks of her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit addicted to heroin.

At the age of 6, Casey complained of a sore throat and her adoptive parents took her to the pediatrician.  The doctor discovered Casey's liver was enlarged and a CAT scan revealed her body was housing a large mass.  The tumor was cancer.  Casey battled a rare liver cancer, seen only in three other children, and survived.

Hear Casey's story set to Avril Lavigne's "Keep Holding On."

When you hear your child has cancer, your world stops.  That is exactly how Liz and Dan Peters felt when they learned their two year-old son Charlie had Leukemia.  Instead of questioning "why us", and looking for an answer, their story is one of resilience and hope that inspired them to ask, "why not us?"  Listen to Charlie's journey as told by his parents in this montage set to "Footprints in the Sand" by Leona Lewis.

Danny Hansen is not your typical kid with AML. Most children battling this disease are run down, barely able to make it through one activity.  While Danny was living in Sanford's Castle of Care, he had the run of the place...and run he did! The six year old could often be found visiting with friends on the floor, usually wearing a cowboy hat along with a face mask to protect him from germs.

June 30th, 2010, Danny lost his battle with cancer and God called Danny home.  Our hearts go out to the Hansen family.  Danny was truly a special kid and we'll miss him.

Hear Danny's story set to "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus.

Nick Kappenman was diagnosed with Histiocytosis, a rare blood disorder that acts much like cancer, whereas cancer is groups of bad cells forming together, Histiocytosis is groups of good cells forming together into lesions that eat through the bone.  His family has dealt with this as best they could with moments of weakness but a family motto of "Stay Strong. Carry On" that gets them through.

Hear Nick's story set to "These Hard Times" by matchbox twenty.

Caitlyn Baumgart, a 2^nd grader at Tea Elementary, doesn't like to talk about her cancer too much.  You can see it was a very scary experience for her.  She completed her treatments last summer and had a new experience last summer as well - Camp Bring It On.  Activities like shooting BB guns and tie-dying shirts helped her to forget, for just a little while, that she was in a battle against cancer.

Listen to Caitlyn's story set to "Someday" by Rob Thomas.

Mason Link has been diagnosed with A-L-L, a form of Leukemia. It is the most common form in children. This is a good thing since it is also the most curable. Mason is not able to produce any more blood right now, his bone marrow is not working properly. This is why he has been so tired. He has been running a few quarts low! He's a determined little boy and he is gonna win his battle.

Here's Mason's story set to "Something to Hope For" by The Undeserving.

Josh Bern is an active seven year-old with a very supportive family. Even after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, he and his entire family kept an amazingly positive attitude. Josh is doing very well these days and even took it upon himself to set up a pop stand to sell pop to visitors of a neighborhood rummage sale with all the money going to Cure Kids Cancer. He raised almost $25 and didn't even think to keep any of it for himself. Josh can teach us all a lesson!

Hear Josh's story set to Michael W. Smith's, "A Place in this World."

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family goes to battle. Izzy Tyrell of Chamberlain, SD has not had to battle her cancer alone.  Izzy has been surrounded by the love of her family and her community - making the battle a bit easier. The road to recovery for Izzy required months of chemotherapy and many trips from their home in central South Dakota to Sanford Children's Hospital for the care she needed. The trips became a special time for Izzy and her mom, as they've driven 13,813 miles on their car traveling back and forth. And, throughout her treatment, this sweet little girl was known for her positive attitude and for the smile that never left her face.

Listen to Izzy's journey set to "The Voice Within" by Christina Aguilera.

Cassie Hulstein was your typical teenager growing up in Edgerton, Minnesota when she went through a stretch when she was tired every day. She went to the family doctor and was diagnosed with cancer at 16.

She credits the support of her classmates for helping her transition back to high school.  Cassie is now a student at SDSU in Brookings.

Listen to Cassie's journey set to "If Everyone Cared" by Nickelback.

Ian Huber had been experiencing severe abdominal pain, vomiting, cramping and bloody stools for three weeks, during which time he had seen many doctors, had made several clinic visits, emergency room visits, and even saw a specialist. Finally on September 20, 2009 his parents took Ian to the Watertown Emergency Room where a CAT scan was done. Nine-year old Ian was immediately flown to Sioux Falls for emergency surgery at Sanford Children's Hospital where 4-6 inches of his intestines were removed along with his appendix and a lymphomic growth. Ian was diagnosed with a high grade B-Cell Burkitt's like Lymphoma.

Ian's musical montage is set to "Chances" by Five for Fighting.

Noah Comes is an adorable child from Watertown. He's very brave, especially with all that he has endured. His parents put it best on their Caring Bridge site when they posted: On Monday July 6 Noah was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma stage IV group-c. It is a day that changed the way we live our lives both for Noah and our family. Together, we will stay strong, fight, and NEVER GIVE UP until Noah has completed this road on his journey through life.

Noah's story is told through a musical montage set to the song "Closer to Love" by Mat Kearney.

So many of the stories we hear from the kids fighting cancer and their parents are about their Child Life Specialist at Sanford Children's. Wendy Jensen is almost always mentioned by name as having made a connection with their child or as the person the kids most look forward to seeing because she always plays their favorite games with them, has their favorite foods waiting for them, or even 'hunts elephants' with them. Wendy feels fortunate to do what she does and says she's honored to be a part of these families lives, especially at such a raw time.

Wendy gets a montage too!  We've set her story to "Look After You" by the Fray.