Ross Wicklund just started his senior year all set for his future in Accounting at North Dakota State Universtiy. He thought he had his future all figured until this last November. His mother Diane Wicklund was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Not only did Ross find out this devastating news, but a month later his father Gene Wicklund was diagnosed with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST). Both of these illnesses are life threatening, with a 26 percent survival rate after five years with breast cancer, and a 13 percent survival rate for GIST if the tumor has spread.
Ross’s mother said she received a call on Nov. 5th from her radiologist who told her she was diagnosed with invasive Ductal Carisinoma Grade 1. Ross was practicing for the part of Jacob in the high school production “Joseph and the Amazing Technical Dream Coat.” When she had found out the news, she drove to the high school and went backstage to tell Ross and his brother John.
“Ross had taken six months to start smiling after his friend, Ian Alves, had died of cancer last Dec. 7th. Ross was super quiet,” Diane said.
While only being a senior in high school, it can be hard to handle both parents being unable to do the jobs they were once able to do. Ross has taken the opportunity to help out his family in any way he can.
“I’ve had to step up and do more around the house especially physical jobs which I’m glad to do,” Ross said “I’ve also become more self-sufficient, like keeping track of things I need to do and preparing for the future.” Gene thinks his persepective on life changed after being diagnosed with a life threatening illness.
“It definently changes your perspective on life,” Gene said. “The things you thought were so important are now not even on your agenda. Family and friends prayers and good wishes mean the most.”
While Ross still plans to follow his dream in Accounting at NDSU, but what the future holds for the Wicklund family is unknown. With both of his parents ill, thinking about what could happen in their future is inevitable for Ross.
“There is still the question how long will my parents be around and the diagnosis of both my parents is something that has made me think about it a lot more and what I would do if something happened,” he said. “Luckily, though nothing is set in stone, outlooks for them look positive,”
Through the past couple of months of diagnosis, doctor appointments, and treatment the Wicklund family is ready to get back on their feet and fight back whatever the future throws at them.
“All of this cancer stuff we will fight so we can get back to a somewhat normal life-style,” Gene said. “We will not forget how precious life is.”