Louisville nonprofit program honoring 11-year-old who died of brain cancer with new lesson plan

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville nonprofit that educates children impacted by gun violence is honoring a former member who died of brain cancer with new curriculum.

Keeland Sanders died last September at 11 years old after being diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Because of his diagnosis, Sanders wanted to be a surgeon when he grew up, so he wanted to join the Future Healers program.

"It was something he wanted to be a part of," said Cameran Sitgraves, his mother.

While staying at Norton Children's Hospital, Sanders was visited by members of the Future Healers program. The group gave him a stuffed toy at his bedside to show he was already a Future Healer.

Keeland Sanders in hospital.jpg — Keeland Sanders in the hospital.

Now, the Future Healers program will offer curriculum in honor of Sanders. University of Louisville Medical School students created the lesson that focuses on cancer, cell cycles and disruptions.

"I'm hoping a better understanding, he had a lot of friends who were young and other children who looked up to him and didn't really understand the reason for his death," Sitgraves said. "I hope it will help someone else who might experience this."

The curriculum includes students making cards for pediatric cancer patients, view slides of different cell cycles, a biochemistry lesson and more.

Christopher 2X's Game Changers has devoted resources to supporting children impacted by gun violence with the Future Healers program, which is a partnership between the Game Changers, UofL Hospital's Trauma Institute and students at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. The goal of the program is to help Louisville children who have been impacted by violence in their neighborhoods to build a better future.

To learn more about Christopher 2X Game Changers, click here.

Related Stories: