Hamilton cancer patient’s graduation ‘a miracle’
Published: May 26, 2005
When Travis Hulsman was diagnosed with cancer last summer, he did not believe he would live to graduate from high school.
So, today marks a dream come true for Hulsman as he and 180 classmates receive their diplomas from Hamilton High School.
“This is very important to me and to my mom, and we’re really looking forward to today,” Hulsman said. “Last summer, when I was diagnosed for the third time, we didn’t think that I was going to make it through. We hoped, but we didn’t believe.
“To see it actually come true is a miracle for us.”
Hulsman, 17, began his first battle with rhabdomayosarcoma, which is cancer of the soft tissues, near the end of seventh grade. Hulsman’s cancer is in the form of tumors in his groin and abdomen area. He received chemotherapy during eighth grade and was in remission during that year and ninth grade.
During Hulsman’s sophomore year, the cancer resurfaced and Hulsman received chemotherapy treatment for a year before going into remission for another six months.
Hulsman’s battle began last summer with more tumors, and he travels to Grand Rapids for treatment at least twice each week.
Hulsman said he felt numb when he learned the cancer had returned for the third time.
“I don’t think that any of us really thought that I’d be here right now,” he said. “When I was diagnosed, it was hard to look to the future, but now I have a lot more expectations.”
During Hulsman’s second battle with cancer, his family did some research and found his odds of survival were only 7 percent. They have not looked up the survival rate for patients on their third go-around with this type of cancer.
“Technically, I’m supposed to be dead,” said Hulsman, whose doctors let him decide whether to receive a third round of treatment. Hulsman and his family decided that they wanted to fight the disease again.
So far, no tumors have returned during this treatment period. Hulsman’s doctors say his treatment will wrap up this summer. After that, Hulsman will return every few weeks for blood tests.
“The treatment takes a lot out of you, and we debated having one last year of life to enjoy or having more treatment,” Hulsman said. “We chose to fight. I personally couldn’t sit back.”
Hulsman believes he knows why he is still here.
“My belief is that it’s all been about God,” he said. “God brought me through it. It’s nothing short of a miracle.”
Hulsman said missing so much school for hospital stays and treatments has made earning his diploma more difficult. However, he said he likes school, and his teachers have helped him keep up with his classes.
Hamilton High School Principal Doug Braschler said Hulsman is a gifted person who exemplifies what every parents wants in their child.
“Travis is kind, compassionate, never complains and has his life in perspective,” Braschler said. “He had all of these qualities before he was diagnosed with cancer, and cancer has not taken these characteristics away from him.”
“His perseverance should be an inspiration to us all. We will truly miss him as he heads off to college.”
He plans to attend Calvin College and get his teaching certificate, then become a minister.
“The cancer really did change my life,” he said. “It made me want to help other people because so many people have helped us along the way.”
Hulsman and his parents, Keith and Sally Hulsman, attend Overisel Reformed Church. He has two older siblings, Ryan and Laura.
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