**Teen Survivor Advocates for Better Cancer Treatments After Battling Two Cancers**
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Fourteen-year-old Jake Kleppen’s journey through cancer has been both harrowing and inspiring, highlighting the complexities of childhood illnesses and the long-standing impact of treatment. Just months before reaching the milestone of being declared a survivor of Ewing’s sarcoma, Jake faced another challenge when he was diagnosed with treatment-induced leukemia.
Jake’s mother, Marisel Jarrin, an elementary school teacher from Pembroke Pines, Florida, has become a passionate advocate for better, less toxic cancer treatments for children. “The chemotherapy that saved him actually created this cancer in his blood,” Marisel reflected on her son’s recent diagnosis. This second battle has awakened Marisel and Jake to the urgent need for improved medical interventions for young patients.
Jake’s initial struggle began in September 2019 when, during a routine check-up, a paediatrician noticed an unusual bulge in his left eye. This discovery swiftly led to a series of tests and consultations, culminating in a diagnosis of stage 3 Ewing’s sarcoma located behind his eye. Due to the aggressive nature of the cancer and its positioning, surgery was deemed too risky, and Jake commenced an 11-month course of chemotherapy followed by proton beam radiation that lasted until early 2020.
Despite the overwhelming nature of his diagnosis, Jake approached treatment with resilience. “I was more concerned about my hair loss than the actual disease,” Jake admitted, reflecting the innocence of a child faced with immense health challenges. The support of his siblings, particularly during hospital stays, provided essential emotional relief amid the grim realities of chemotherapy.
After enduring significant treatment, Jake rang the bell in June 2020, a traditional celebration marking the end of cancer treatment. With newfound hope, both Jake and Marisel dared to envision a future free from the constraints of illness. However, their optimism was short-lived. In January 2025, Jake began to feel unwell during a winter camp. Symptoms worsened rapidly, leading to an alarming hospital visit where he was found to have no white blood cells, indicating a severe condition.
The subsequent diagnosis of B-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was shocking for both Marisel and Jake. “I was devastated,” Marisel recounted, struggling to comprehend how her son, who had survived a major cancer battle, now faced another. Doctors explained this second cancer was a direct result of the previous chemotherapy regimen.
Despite the grim prognosis, Jake began treatment anew, but the chemotherapy did not deliver the desired results. In March 2025, doctors shifted the plan to immunotherapy, which would necessitate a bone marrow transplant once Jake achieved remission. Jake’s mother was eager to donate, but age-related restrictions thwarted her attempts. Undeterred, his younger brother Justin stepped forward and became a perfect match.
The bond between the siblings shone through during this tumultuous time. Justin’s unhesitating willingness to help was a beacon of hope for Marisel, who appreciated her son’s selflessness. “I’m eternally grateful to Justin. It is a true testament to brotherly love,” she stated, highlighting the profound emotional and moral support they provided each other.
The bone marrow transplant, carried out on May 12, 2025, proved to be a turning point in Jake’s battle. The medical team celebrated the day as his “re-birthday,” marking a fresh beginning for Jake, who now had a new lease on life thanks to his brother’s life-saving decision.
As they continue to navigate Jake’s recovery and long-term health monitoring, both mother and son are vocal advocates for change within paediatric oncology. They actively campaign for better, less harmful treatment options and highlight the need for updated research that reflects modern medical standards. “The newest chemotherapy drugs for children are from the 1980s. How is that acceptable?” Marisel questioned, passionately driving home the urgency of their message.
Jake, now receiving outpatient care at a specialised facility, has aspirations beyond his medical challenges. Although his initial dream of becoming an Army medic is now out of reach, he is considering alternative paths such as aeronautical engineering or teaching history.
Despite the trials he has faced, Jake remains committed to supporting others in similar situations. He volunteers his time to mentor peers, fully aware of the emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis. “I just hate to leave people alone. I know that feeling, and I want to be there for them,” Jake expressed, underscoring his empathy and resilience in the face of adversity.
As this family continues their journey, they offer both a message of hope and a call to action, urging for advancements in paediatric cancer treatment while providing strength to others navigating similar battles. The Kleppens’ story exemplifies not just the struggle against cancer but also the extraordinary power of love, resilience, and the human spirit.