Mile 82

Craig Ripley Clasen, affectionately known as ‘Rip’ by everyone who loves him, is now 12 years old and has always been an easy-going child. His mother, Susan, shares that he never complains and smiles far more often than he doesn’t, radiating positivity even in the toughest times.

In May 2023, seeking answers for Rip’s sudden decline, Charles Hemenway, MD, a pediatric hematologist oncologist at Manning Family Children’s, diagnosed Rip with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). This type of leukemia occurs when the body’s bone marrow produces too many abnormal B-lymphocytes– the type of white blood cell that helps the human body fight infection. Dr. Hemenway introduced the Clasens to pediatric oncologist Justin Farge, MD, who would take over Rip’s treatment plan. He was the first step in a path forward. The Clasen family braced themselves for the battle ahead, with chemotherapy as their weapon and Dr. Farge leading the charge.  Over the next eight months, the Clasens made countless trips to the hospital, determined to fight the cancer with every chemotherapy session.

Last March, Rip started taking oral meds daily and receiving chemo infusions monthly via his port as maintenance.  For now, Rip is being Rip. He loves school, fishing and he wants to be with his friends. He is a social kid and loves playing lacrosse, soccer and football. His real passions are spearfishing, fishing, and hunting with his dad.