Color for Change with Spencer Rumer

Lauren Cahill
Oct 22, 2017
5 min read

As an artist, sometimes it is nice to connect with other artist, view their work, see their struggles, and actively support each other so I joined groups on Facebook specifically for Artists. Unfortunately, I am not as 'active' within these groups as I would like to be but one day, back in August, I came across a group post on my personal Facebook feed. The message was from a woman asking for assistance for her younger brother going through a rough time. I would like to share the public note posted to the group.

As of this week, my family received heartbreaking news. My younger brother is dying. His name is Spencer Rumer. He is a 15 year old freshman at Perkins High School in Sandusky, Ohio. He has been battling a very rare and aggressive cancer, Synovial Sarcoma, Spindle Cell, High Grade, since he was in the first grade. His cancer makes up 4% of all in the world and there aren't many people who have had this, which makes it hard to figure out how to treat it. He is a patient of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Cleveland Clinic, and the only child patient at North Coast Cancer Center.

He has gone through more surgeries than I can remember, chemo, and radiation, over and over again. Our 'last resort' treatment, T-Cell therapy, has failed and the masses in his lungs are growing rapidly. He is being kept comfortable, but we aren't sure how long we have left with him. His oncologist said he has months, I cannot stand the thought of losing him.

Spencer is stubborn and strong, and so intelligent. He loves music, art, and video games. This boy has more spirit than most I know, he is truly a beautiful soul. As his older sister I will do everything in my power to help make his time left incredible. He has put so much fight into his life to feel as though he is getting nothing in return. He is afraid of dying before really experiencing the amazing parts of life. He truly has missed out on so much. He is afraid of never falling in love, or owning his first car. While I can't find love for him, I am teaching him to drive my clunker. He idolizes Beyonce, Amy Winehouse, and Nicki Minaj. He is an amazing singer, artist, and skilled gamer. He's also a band-kid and plays the french horn.

Spencer is my best friend and I love him to the ends of the universe. Anything would completely make his day: Artwork, a prayer, a get well video, a card, anything you could do to brighten his day, please find it in your heart to do so. We have not given up hope, but our family needs a miracle.

What is Synovial Sarcoma, Spindle Cell?

Synovial sarcoma is a type of soft-tissue sarcoma. It is a rare cancer. Only about 1 to 3 individuals in a million

people are diagnosed with this disease each year. It can occur at any age, but it is more common among teenagers and young adults. On a pathology report, synovial sarcoma may be classified in different sub-types depending on what it looks like under the microscope or what specific gene mutation is involved. Synovial sarcoma is a high grade tumor. It spreads to distant sites in up to 50% of cases. Because synovial sarcoma is rare, there is no consensus among experts on just how much of a role chemotherapy plays in preventing metastases and improving survival.

On Spencer's latest scans, the Mass shows close to be closest to his heart.

Color for Change

Spencer and I have a lot in common, we both love art, he likes to sing in the shower and I enjoy singing in the car, I used to be practically addicted to playing video games and he is a skilled gamer, and we both played the French Horn, one of the most difficult wind instruments available. After reading his sister's note, I knew I immediately had to get involved. (There's actually a lot of background information surrounding this but that is a story for another time). I thought, how could I do a drawing and incorporate everything he loves from his favorite celebrity women to riding a car to having his favorite passions, so I thought, a caricature is the perfect fit! I incorporated absolutely everything into this drawing, not missing a single detail, to send as a surprise gift to Spencer and his family.

Family Reactions

Spencer and his Family received a package a week later.. Here are some of the responses I have received from such a king family!

What a beautiful surprise❣️ My 15 year old son is battling a rare cancer for the fifth x... YOU have put a smile on all of our faces‼️ (After his sister and I wiped all the tears away;) WOW, just wow‼️ I can't begin to tell you how happy your art w/ my son in it made him SOoo happy!! YOU are so amazing and so thoughtful❣️ THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU‼️😘 What a blessing you are!❤️💕

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! Thank you for making his day ❤ We all cried ❤❤❤❤ it is amazing & you have such a big heart!! You've made his day & my entire year!! you are so amazing! I cant say it enough girl wow! Keep doing what makes sense to your soul❤❤

What a great person with a huge heart! People like you can make a difference in this crazy world! Thank you for making our man smile!

I love it, it's beautiful thank you so much!

Lauren, You are such a sweet blessing!!!! I couldn't imagine what had came in the mail today for my son! After opening it.... I cried.... called my daughter and I made her cry LOL I thanked her for reaching out and inspiring you! She woke her brother up and I seen the biggest smile I had seen in such a long time on his face!! You have no idea the battles we have been through.... You are so amazing and thoughtful not to mention so talented!!! OMG Wow just wow!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH from the bottom of my heart❣️ God bless you!

I don't know wether to cry when I look at it or smile.. lol It is SOooo him to the T!!!! He is so ornery so it so suits him!! He would love to meet those ladies so this is like a dream come true!!! Means more than u know!!!

I was truly touched to receive such a wonderful reaction from the family. I am honored to have been able to create something that he can truly appreciate, smile upon, and feel a sense of happiness.

Make a Wish

Spencer's 'Make a Wish' is Beyonce but unfortunately, his wish has not yet been granted. Please share this post, tweet it, tag it, hopefully it may get to her to grant Spencer's wish.

Spencer's mother has kept a journal of his battle which can be viewed here. You can also send him a 'Well Wish' through the site as well.

If you are interested in sending a prayer, get well video, a card, anything to help brighten his day, please email me at LCArt@Rocketmail.com.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read about Spencer's Story!