Jayhawk fans, meet the first member of this year’s #StartingFive beneficiaries: George Langston, an 8-year-old from Olathe, KS. George is an amazing kid with a positive attitude and a spirit that never gives up! For almost two and half years George has been battling Rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer that surfaced in the form of a tumor below his left eye. After treatment at both Children’s Mercy in Kansas City and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, George was initially given the “all-clear” diagnosis and even had a 1-year scan in the summer of 2021 that was deemed “cancer-free.” Sadly, the cancer came back just a week after his 1-year cancer free date and this time doctors decided a full orbital exoneration was necessary. This was a complete removal of his eye, eyelids and surrounding tissue in the orbit. Additionally, George got a new central port and started a new chemotherapy regimen last summer. If all goes to accordingly to plan, he will finish next month.

It has been a difficult year for George with the stronger chemo. He has been in the hospital inpatient much more. He works with a tutor and has done a good job keeping up with his school. One of his biggest passions is soccer, but unfortunately, he had to hang up his KCSG soccer jersey for this year. His spirit is strong and so is his family’s faith. They believe with hope and prayer, God willing, he will be ready to get back on the pitch this time next year once and for all cured from cancer! In the meantime, he’s so excited to be celebrated at this year’s Roundball Classic. We hope you’ll come out and cheer him on, as well as more than 40 former Jayhawks back for our 14th annual celebrity, charity basketball game. Stay tuned for ticket sales announcements next week!