Cancer Survivor Gives Back

by Ashley Kringen, Reporter
October 05, 2012 9:51 PM


People headed to Falls Park in Sioux Falls Friday, might notice something different.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the American Cancer Society is lighting The Falls pink and not just for breast cancer awareness, but for all cancers out there.

Colin Raehsler is just like any other 21-year-old, he likes to work out, watch football and eat his favorite candy, gobstoppers.

He goes to school at Augustana College, studying Administration.

"Really love the place," said Raehsler.

He grew up in the Twin Cities and has a strong passion for hockey, holding onto his favorite North Stars sweatshirt, a gift from his parents.

"I wear it all the time when I'm out open skating or when I go to hockey games," said Raehsler.

As active as Raehsler is now, he wasn't always; he's a cancer survivor after being diagnosed with bone cancer in his left forearm at just 9-years-old, and lasted three years.

"I saw cancer as more of an older persons illness, it wasn't something that was supposed to happen to a kid," said Raehsler.

After going through chemotherapy, losing his hair and lack of social life, Raehsler is giving back, he volunteers for colleges against cancer and the American Cancer Society and one of the most rewarding things he likes to do is tell people his story.

"It's really giving me a chance to say I know that I didn't do this on my own and I'm willing to help others," said Raehsler.

And to assure people that cancer is not a sign of weakness.

"I look at it as a sign of strength, I mean, if you've done this. If you've beaten something that would take a lot of lives, there's nothing that can stop you," said Raehsler.