Just before Lakken completed fourth grade, her teacher scheduled a meeting with her parents to discuss a concerning observation. Lakken’s handwriting had progressively gotten much larger and more unsteady throughout that school year. Her parents scheduled an appointment with her primary care provider who then noticed issues with Lakken’s ability to move her arms and legs appropriately and walk steadily. Lakken was immediately referred to a pediatric neurologist at Marshfield Children’s Hospital who confirmed the primary care provider’s findings. Less than two weeks later, Lakken underwent brain surgery which confirmed the diagnosis of medulloblastoma, a cancerous brain tumor.
At 10 years old, Lakken endured months of radiation, chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions, and countless other procedures. Throughout her entire 13-month treatment plan, she faced every challenge with a “let’s do it” attitude and was willing to do whatever was needed to conquer this disease. Shortly after her diagnosis, Lakken adopted a quote that she soon was known by: “Never let anything dull your sparkle.” Lakken was declared cancer-free in November of 2013 and remained NED (no evidence of disease) for the next 10 years.
Following her diagnosis and treatment, Lakken spent two years as a Miracle Kid for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Marshfield Children’s Hospital. This role allowed her to share her story through speaking at fundraising events, starring in local Walmart or Dairy Queen commercials, and meeting other kids like her. She grew very comfortable being on the stage and continued sharing her story whenever she could.
Despite the cognitive challenges she faced as a result of her tumor, Lakken graduated in the Top 10 of her high school class and went on to pursue a degree in early childhood education. She had big dreams of graduating from college, becoming an elementary teacher, using her past experiences to advocate for kids who needed someone on their team, and volunteering her free time to help families affected by cancer. On May 22, 2023, during her junior year of college, a regularly-scheduled checkup resulted in a concerning brain scan. Two months later, Lakken was diagnosed with a new form of brain cancer—glioblastoma—for which there unfortunately is no cure.
Lakken took this news with the utmost bravery and altruism. Throughout her second battle, she continued to show more concern for the people she loved than for herself. Her love for baking cheesecakes, completing arts and crafts, and listening to country music never faltered. Lakken was known and adored among her family for her quick wit and sassy attitude. Although her cognitive functioning steeply declined in her final months, she never lost that quick wit and always managed a clever comment.
During her second battle with cancer, Lakken’s new mantra was to “Live each day like it’s your last.” In her attempt to live life to the fullest, she had plenty of special experiences in her last year: a “Best Day Ever” experience provided by close family friend Benny Anderson which included a private concert from Chris Kroeze; an impromptu extended-family weekend in Nashville; her first-time trip to Door County; meeting and enjoying dinner with Charlie Berens; multiple professional sporting events with her boyfriend; and a concert to see her all-time favorite, Luke Combs, with her father and younger sister.
Lakken passed away on May 23, 2024 with her family by her side. She will be remembered for the joy and light she radiated each and every day. In her nearly 22 years, she has touched the lives of so many people — both young and old — and Lakken’s Legacy will live on through the people who love her.