The 2020 roller coaster of shutdowns and stay-at-home orders were a blessing for local insurance agency owner Jason Langston, but not how you might think. During the first days of 2020 Jason and wife, Linda, were about to get tragic news about their youngest son, George. That news was to alter all plans for the next six months.
George Langston was six years old in early January and had developed a small bump under his left eye. Originally, the family pediatrician thought it was likely just a result of wrestling and playing with his older brother Jack, age 12, and older sister Reagan, age 8. However, the bump continued to grow. Ultimately, after seeing many doctors and progressing through tests and surgery, the mass under his eye was diagnosed as cancer on January 14.
Chemotherapy began for George the following week at Children’s Mercy Hospital and would continue each week for the next 6 months. George was also scheduled for special Proton Radiation therapy in April, which was only available in a few cities in the US. The Langston’s knew one of the biggest difficulties of this treatment path was having to separate the family to undergo the daily treatments for George in another city, while normal life for the other children and Jason’s business remained in Kansas City. Ultimately, George’s treatment was to take him to Rochester, MN at the Mayo Clinic for his proton radiation which would last seven weeks. That is 425 miles away from home, and a hard distance to travel back and forth from home to be with the family.
Advertisement
Just as the family was preparing for George’s treatments at Mayo, stay-at-home orders were being issued. As it turns out, by the time George was due in Rochester, stay-at-home orders were in full effect, and the entire family (Jason, Linda, George, Jack, Reagan, two dogs and a cat) were able to go together as a family. The other children had no in-person school to attend. No sports or other activities to attend. The family was able to be together to rally and support George during his daily grind of treatment. They had a nice home, minutes from the radiation facility, where they were able to be comfortable during their 50 day stay.
Jason was able to work remotely as many were. The agency staff maintained the daily operation as an essential business and were an awesome support during his absence. His team was incredible during this time with their dedication and support. The agency was blessed to maintain sales and growth, even during the pandemic and Jason’s limited availability due to having such a great team.
After months of chemotherapy, several stays in the hospital, daily radiation, and COVID swabs up the nose, George completed his treatment July 24th. George has proven he is quite the special boy. His bravery and determination were inspirational to many, including Jason and Linda. The support of the community was amazing, and George was encouraged at each step by letters, prayers, and many Facebook messages. #TeamGeorge was amazing to see and supported the Langstons through this difficult time in so many ways.
September 8th George returned to school, happy and healthy, for the first time since December, which was incredibly special for the family. While his journey with cancer is still not complete, all signs are positive at this point.
Advertisement
The 2020 roller coaster of shutdowns and stay-at-home orders were a blessing for local insurance agency owner Jason Langston, but not how you might think. During the first days of 2020 Jason and wife, Linda, were about to get tragic news about their youngest son, George. That news was to alter all plans for the next six months.
George Langston was six years old in early January and had developed a small bump under his left eye. Originally, the family pediatrician thought it was likely just a result of wrestling and playing with his older brother Jack, age 12, and older sister Reagan, age 8. However, the bump continued to grow. Ultimately, after seeing many doctors and progressing through tests and surgery, the mass under his eye was diagnosed as cancer on January 14.
Chemotherapy began for George the following week at Children’s Mercy Hospital and would continue each week for the next 6 months. George was also scheduled for special Proton Radiation therapy in April, which was only available in a few cities in the US. The Langston’s knew one of the biggest difficulties of this treatment path was having to separate the family to undergo the daily treatments for George in another city, while normal life for the other children and Jason’s business remained in Kansas City. Ultimately, George’s treatment was to take him to Rochester, MN at the Mayo Clinic for his proton radiation which would last seven weeks. That is 425 miles away from home, and a hard distance to travel back and forth from home to be with the family.
Just as the family was preparing for George’s treatments at Mayo, stay-at-home orders were being issued. As it turns out, by the time George was due in Rochester, stay-at-home orders were in full effect, and the entire family (Jason, Linda, George, Jack, Reagan, two dogs and a cat) were able to go together as a family. The other children had no in-person school to attend. No sports or other activities to attend. The family was able to be together to rally and support George during his daily grind of treatment. They had a nice home, minutes from the radiation facility, where they were able to be comfortable during their 50 day stay.
Jason was able to work remotely as many were. The agency staff maintained the daily operation as an essential business and were an awesome support during his absence. His team was incredible during this time with their dedication and support. The agency was blessed to maintain sales and growth, even during the pandemic and Jason’s limited availability due to having such a great team.
After months of chemotherapy, several stays in the hospital, daily radiation, and COVID swabs up the nose, George completed his treatment July 24th. George has proven he is quite the special boy. His bravery and determination were inspirational to many, including Jason and Linda. The support of the community was amazing, and George was encouraged at each step by letters, prayers, and many Facebook messages. #TeamGeorge was amazing to see and supported the Langstons through this difficult time in so many ways.
September 8th George returned to school, happy and healthy, for the first time since December, which was incredibly special for the family. While his journey with cancer is still not complete, all signs are positive at this point.