An Ohio community is marking a major clinical milestone this week as 11-year-old Levi Buxman celebrates being officially cancer-free. The victory follows a grueling two-year medical journey characterized by hundreds of hospitalizations and significant neurological setbacks.
Buxman, a fifth-grader at Green Elementary who also has Down syndrome, rang the ceremonial bell at Akron Children’s Hospital on March 20. The event culminated in a “clap out” at his school, where students and faculty lined the hallways to honor his resilience.
The medical odyssey began on Nov. 5, 2023, when Buxman was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. What his parents initially suspected was a routine case of the flu escalated rapidly after an emergency room blood test revealed the malignancy.
“Within a couple of hours, we had a diagnosis,” Lauren Buxman, Levi’s mother, told local media. The diagnosis forced an immediate 70-day hospital stay while Levi’s father, Branden, was traveling out of state.
Over the subsequent two years, Buxman’s clinical record documented:
- 267 nights of inpatient care.
- A life-threatening stroke that challenged medical recovery expectations.
- Rigorous chemotherapy and rehabilitative protocols.
Beyond the physiological battle, the Buxman family navigated the complexities of social integration for a child with Down syndrome. Lauren Buxman expressed that a primary fear following Levi’s initial birth diagnosis was whether he would be “seen” or accepted by his peers.
Those fears were addressed through an unexpected bond Levi formed with another patient, Liam, in the oncology unit. The two children became inseparable, often mirroring each other’s treatment schedules. However, tragedy struck in May 2025 when Liam passed away, leaving Levi to complete the final stages of his recovery without his closest confidant.
The Smithville community ensured Buxman did not face his final milestone in isolation. During the school celebration, Buxman donned a red and black jacket emblazoned with the phrase “Just Beat It”—a tribute to his favorite artist, Michael Jackson, and his own triumph over the disease.
“When we did the clap out, just seeing how much the kids love him… it warms my heart to see that the kids see him for who he is,” Lauren Buxman stated.
Medical experts note that B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, while aggressive, has seen significantly improved survival rates due to advancements in targeted therapies. Buxman’s case serves as a high-profile example of both clinical success and the vital role of community support in pediatric recovery.
