Leukemia
Louis’ life has always been centered around family, traveling, and music. Growing up in Brookings, South Dakota, he has spent his life seeing the world, running his business, attending ceremony, and playing live music. He has also spent the last 6 years serving on the South Dakota Indian Health Board of Directors.
It was the Summer of 1999 when he noticed what he described as severe heartburn. He dismissed it and continued with his life. A few days later, while visiting family out of state, Louis felt a tightness in his chest and shoulders, pain throughout his body, and a fever. A trip to urgent care and the emergency room determined it was likely leukemia, and the pain was a result of immune system failure. He had to decide quickly whether he wanted to start treatment out of town, or immediately head home and start there.
He returned home to a local hospital, and testing confirmed he had Leukemia at just 21 years old. He started chemotherapy the next day. After several rounds of treatment, and a relapse of the cancer, it was decided that a bone marrow transplant would be needed.
By June of 2000, he had received the new bone marrow intravenously.
Louis turned to traditional teachings as he went through his treatment. He was able to tend fire and attend sweat lodges to nurture his spirit and provide strength during his journey.
Today, Louis continues to live a healthy life and believes that in addition to his western treatments, his traditional practices helped prepare him for his cancer treatment journey.