After Two Cancer Diagnoses, Young Cancer Survivor Looks Ahead with Confidence

After surviving two bouts with cancer, Jake Kleppen is looking forward to his future with confidence. The 15-year-old sophomore at West Broward High School is already considering a career in aeronautical engineering, teaching or management.

“When you’re being treated for cancer, you have to keep a positive attitude,” he says. “It’s also important to plan ahead for your life after cancer.”

In May, Jake celebrated his first year free of leukemia after receiving a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his younger brother, Justin, at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth—University of Miami Health System.

“Sylvester’s care really extends beyond the clinic walls,” says Jake, who received integrated and personalized survivorship support at alex’s place, Sylvester’s state-of-the-art facility for pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients. “Their support is wonderful, and if something goes wrong, they are right there to help.”

Jake’s mom, Marisel Kleppen, agrees.

“The entire staff, from front desk to the doctors and phlebotomists, made the process gentler for Jake,” she says. “They have been so supportive of us throughout Jake’s cancer journey.”

A deadly diagnosis

Jake was just 8 years old when his pediatrician noticed an abnormal bulge around one of his eyes that required immediate evaluation. He was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare but deadly type of cancer that forms in the bones or soft tissues in children and adolescents. After nearly a year of intense chemotherapy and proton beam radiation treatments, Jake was able to resume a normal childhood in Pembroke Pines and developed interests in the military, history and gaming.

“Our team took care of him during his treatment and I took over his care for cancer survivorship and surveillance when I joined the university,” says Aditi Dhir, M.D., associate professor of hematology/oncology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the genetic and lifestyle factors that influence the risk of childhood sarcomas, as well as finding targeted immunotherapies to reduce side effects.

Five years after receiving radiation treatment for Ewing sarcoma, Jake was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects immature white blood cells called lymphocytes.

Because Jake did not respond to regular treatments, he needed a bone marrow transplant. And his brother Justin was an ideal match.

“For high-risk or relapsed leukemias, a bone marrow transplant is a great way to provide long-lasting care,” says Warren Alperstein, M.D., associate professor of hematology/oncology at the Miller School. “First, a patient receives high-dose chemotherapy to wipe out the cancerous white blood cells. Then, healthy blood-forming stem cells from a donor are infused to replace the bone marrow and begin rebuilding the patient’s immune system.”

It takes many months for bone marrow transplant patients to recover their strength and regain the ability to fight off infections, says Dr. Alperstein, whose team performs more than 25 pediatric transplants a year, along with medical treatments and clinical trials.

“After receiving the donor cells from his brother, Jake did very well, and nothing derailed his recovery,” he says. “Jake is now off immune suppression drugs, and we will continue to monitor his progress.”

On May 25, Jake celebrated a “rebirthday” on the one-year anniversary of his procedure.

“Your life restarts when you get those donor cells,” he says. “But I want to be sure to honor my brother Justin because he truly was the life giver.”

A patient advocate

While facing his own cancer battles, Jake became active in the SebastianStrong Foundation, which offers hope to children with cancer.

“My mom reached out to them, and we have become family friends with the founders,” he says.

Jake is also planning to raise funds for Sylvester at the 2027 Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC XVII) 5K run/walk next February 27 at Hard Rock Stadium.

“Jake has a fun personality, and takes things in stride,” says Dr. Dhir. “At alex’s place, he puts young children and teens at ease, answering questions and explaining things about their care.”

During the summer, Jake focused on rebuilding his physical stamina, returning to bicycling, fencing and archery. He also spent a week at a Florida camp for children affected by cancer.

“Cancer robs children of a normal life, so the camp offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities,” says Marisel Kleppen.

Throughout Jake’s journey, his family has been on his side.

“While Jake has been able to turn lemons into lemonade, his three siblings have also been very much affected,” says Marisel Kleppen. “The Sylvester team has been wonderful in offering support to our family. We also need to help their researchers keep improving treatment options for our children.”

Written by Richard Westlund. Reviewed by Adita Dhir, M.D., and Warren Alperstein, M.D.

Tags: acute lymphoblastic, AlexsPlace, blood cancer, bone marrow transplant, Cancer survivorship, chemotherapy, Dolphins Cancer Challenge, Ewing Sarcoma, hematology, leukemia, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center