Childhood Cancer Heroes

You are here

Collin Knapp

  • General Pediatric Cancer

Click the images to see them larger above!

Learn more about
General Pediatric Cancer

Get the facts about General Pediatric Cancer and how our research projects are making a difference.

Learn More »

Collin was a social butterfly who loved to make people laugh. He was passionate about karate, from chopping boards in half, to using swords, to sparing on the mats and showing off fancy footwork. He and his buddies also loved to bust out their fancy footwork at dances. He was a fan of Alabama Football and everything that comes with it. Going fishing or enjoying jubilees in Mobile Bay, AL were his favorite summertime activities.  

At the age of 4, and then again at 5, Collin was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He had a complete bone marrow transplant, and became cancer-free for 12 years. He was able to live life to the fullest with his sweet and loving spirit that captivated others and made them smile and feel loved in turn. 

Unfortunately, in January 2023, Collin’s parents noticed dime-sized lump on his neck. They thought it might be a swollen gland, and even with antibiotics it continued to grow. When they looked into it further, Collin was diagnosed with cancer again – this time, stage 3 mucoepidermoid carcinoma. 

The tumor doctors removed from his neck was huge. Then during the two weeks after receiving plastic surgery, Collin found his cancer was growing again. Proton therapy was his best option, so he began the six-week treatment twice-a-day. Every 21 days, Collin also had targeted therapy. He was also in the hospital for pneumonia. Sadly, Collin passed away in June 2023.

Collin was truly his family's hero. He was the strongest kid they had ever known, and his grandparents even called him Superman. Collin’s mom, Amanda, wants others with childhood cancer heroes to know that “God is always with you! You're never alone! You truly find strength when you don't think you can go anymore."

Through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Amanda believes in being able to find a cure for children with cancer. Seeing them able to grow up and give testimonies of overcoming such a giant tragedy is awe-inspiring. 

Information provided by Amanda K., Collin’s mom 
Updated April 2024 

Next Hero

Donate in Honor of Collin Today!

Your donation helps to fund critically-needed research to find better treatments and cures for children with cancer.

Childhood Cancer Heroes

More Heroes

VIEW ALL HEROES
McKenzie is a big prankster – while in the hospital, she would often silly string her nurses and doctors! She was diagnosed with both Hodgekin lymphoma and Supraventricular Tachycardia and went on a 15-week treatment plan. Today she has reached remission!
Kno’lan is a little guy with a BIG personality. He was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare cancer-like disease, and has relapsed three times. Today, his family is traveling to Texas in search of his cure.
Reese is one of a kind, witty, charming, and knowledgeable. When he was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, his family couldn't believe it. He had a kidney removed and underwent chemotherapy when he was nearly 3 years old. Today, he has reached remission!
Charleigh is a spunky little girl who loves animals, and looks at her brother like he hung the stars. At just 10 months old, she was diagnosed with a rare condition called multi-system Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in several organs and bones.