Home / Health / Ohio boy, 11, beats cancer after years of hospital stays
Ohio boy, 11, beats cancer after years of hospital stays
31 Mar
Summary
- Levi Buxman, 11, was declared cancer-free after battling leukemia.
- He spent nearly 267 nights in the hospital over two years.
- His community rallied around him during his difficult journey.
An 11-year-old Ohio boy, Levi Buxman, has been declared cancer-free after a prolonged battle with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Levi was diagnosed with the illness on November 5, 2023, a little over a year after his initial diagnosis as a 9-year-old.
His journey involved significant hospital stays, with Levi spending nearly 267 nights in the hospital over the past two years. He also faced a stroke that left medical professionals concerned about his survival. Despite these immense challenges, Levi celebrated his victory by ringing the bell at Akron Children's Hospital.
The community of Smithville, Ohio, showed immense support for Levi and his family. His mother, Lauren Buxman, expressed how heartwarming it was to see the children at Green Elementary actively seeking out Levi for high-fives and hugs, demonstrating his strong connections within his peer group.
Levi, who also has Down syndrome, found a close friend in Liam, another patient at Akron Children's Hospital. Their bond, formed during their shared hospital experiences, provided comfort. However, Liam's passing in May 2025 added another layer of difficulty to Levi's fight, making the eventual celebration of his recovery even more poignant.
