At just 14 years old, middle school football player Bo Opperman has faced challenges far beyond what most teens can imagine.
What began as a routine football injury in Fall 2024 has turned into a life-altering battle with cancer for the Edison Middle School eighth-grader.
Now, as he undergoes aggressive treatment for Ewing Sarcoma, Bo and his parents, Shawn and Staci Opperman, are sharing their story to raise awareness.
Bo Opperman’s Battle Started During A Football Game
During a football game, Bo Opperman, playing right tackle, was knocked down and felt what he described as a “sharp kick” in the back.
Two weeks later, he noticed a lump in the same spot.
His mom, Staci, a special needs aide, recalls the moment vividly. She said,
“It was bigger than a mosquito bite. When we pressed on it, it hurt really, really, really bad.”
Initially treated with antibiotics, the lump hardened and turned black and blue.
In March 2025, a surgeon removed it, only for the family to learn in April that Bo had superficial Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone and soft tissue cancer typically found in teens.
While an MRI and scans showed that the cancer was thankfully localized, Bo would need 14 rounds of chemotherapy over the next 6 to 12 months.
The Oppermans were relieved that the tumor was removed, but devastated by what came next: chemo would likely leave Bo infertile.
Bo Opperman’s Family Has Started A GoFundMe To Help His Fight Against Cancer And Fertility
Bo Opperman’s mother said,
“We were told that two of his chemo medicines will kill his sperm. It was horrible to think that my son could never have a chance to have kids.”
His father, Shawn Opperman, a facilities operations specialist for U.S. Border Patrol, broke down when he heard the news.
The thought of Bo not being able to carry on the family name was heartbreaking.
Father Shawn said,
“I’m the last Opperman. If I hadn’t had a son, our name would be gone. Now I have Bo, and I want him to pass the name on.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, Bo didn’t hesitate when his parents explained fertility preservation.
He said,
“I want to be a dad. I like taking care of kids. I think it would be really fun to have someone else around the house. It would be great to have a kid.”
He already loves spending time with his young niece and nephew, and he’s known for being wonderful with the special needs children his mother works with.
Staci says proudly,
“He’s going to be a great dad one day.”
The family started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of fertility preservation, which includes approximately $500 per specimen and an annual storage fee of $300-$400.
Fortunately, their doctor had recently informed them that the insurance would cover part of the expense.
Still, the remaining costs are significant.
To support the Oppermans and help with medical and fertility preservation expenses, you can donate to their GoFundMe, which is nearing its $4,000 goal.
Bo Opperman Graduated From Eight Grade, Fulfilling His Dream Of Doing It With His Hair
As he began chemo, Bo Opperman was also preparing for eighth-grade graduation, and one of his biggest concerns was his hair.
According to his mother,
“He asked the surgeon, ‘Will I have my hair for graduation on May 29?’” “That about broke me. He loves his hair.”
Staci even offered to shave her head in solidarity. Bo said no.
Thankfully, he made it to graduation with his hair, as he was just handed a certificate of Recognition from Edison Middle School for completing all the required coursework.
Bo’s next chemo round is scheduled for June 3, with a hospital stay of at least five days.
His journey will be long, but his spirit remains strong, and his words to other kids facing cancer show wisdom well beyond his years:
With love and the support of his family and community, Bo Opperman is determined not only to beat cancer but also to one day become the father he dreams of being.
