Ezra Talkington
Ezra’s journey began on May 20th, 2024, shortly after his family moved to Salina. During a routine visit with their new primary care physician, a large lump was discovered in the middle of his chest. After urgent bloodwork revealed dangerously low counts, Ezra was rushed to the ER. Scans soon confirmed what no parent ever wants to hear—Ezra had cancer. He was quickly transferred to Children’s Mercy in Kansas City, where doctors discovered a 16-inch tumor growing from his liver with multiple spots on his lungs. Ezra was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare liver cancer, and began six rounds of chemotherapy immediately to shrink the tumors.
In August, surgeons removed 75% of his liver and his gallbladder, followed by a double lung surgery in September to remove 17 tumors.
Sadly, the cancer returned aggressively. Pathology confirmed an even rarer, more aggressive diagnosis—hepatocellular neoplasm NOS—elevating Ezra to stage 4 and terminal. Despite continued chemo and a brief window of hope, his AFP tumor marker began to rapidly rise again. When doctors at Children’s Mercy had exhausted their treatment options, Ezra’s family sought second opinions from specialists in Boston and Cincinnati. Cincinnati welcomed Ezra in person, and in March 2025, he began a clinical trial there.
By April, Ezra’s cancer had spread to his kidneys. While he continues to fight through this second round of trial chemotherapy, his strength, bravery, and unwavering spirit inspire everyone around him. His family calls him their hero—and so do we.
Stay tuned for our final beneficiary announcements next week as we get closer to the 2025 Rock Chalk Roundball Classic!�Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!🏀�#TeamEzra #RockChalkRoundballClassic #RCRC2025
