Will Shepler is 4-year-old Anthony’s big brother. In his six years, Will has learned the way of the world well enough to teach young Anthony all a 4-year-old needs to know.
Lucky for Anthony, he not only has a big brother that can show him where to find the candy in the back of the pantry, but one to show him what it means to be strong, that you can smile even when you’re sad and that a hug from Mom and Dad can go a long way in making it all better.
Will has leukemia. Diagnosed at just 17 months old, he battled the cancer into remission by the time he was four. Happy to have the unfortunate reality behind them, the Shepler family took the news hard when they learned the cancer was back just nine months later.
The treatment regimen calls for surgeries and ongoing chemotherapy, which combats the cancer but wreaks havoc on his body otherwise. To aid in his fight, Will has had multiple transfusions – both red cells and platelets.
The Shepler family has become active proponents of Indiana Blood Center. Will’s father, Rich, is the principal at an Indianapolis-area high school. The student body hosts three blood drives each year, dedicating the April drive to Will. The community has put together a 5K walk/run called Will Power, to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer in Will’s honor.
Will’s current treatment schedule will continue another year. In the meantime, he will continue smiling, hugging Mom and Dad daily and teaching Anthony the joys of finding the Twizzlers in the pantry.
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