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3-year-old Landan Bland dies from brain tumor

The story of the boy from Springfield touched thousands nationwide.

August 30, 2012|by Maria Neider, KY3 News | mneider@ky3.com

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The funeral service for Landan Bland is Saturday at 2 at Greenlawn East Funeral Home on East Seminole Street, east of U.S. 65.  The visitation time with family members is from 5 to 8 on Friday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Bass Chapel Cemetery in Greene County.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family asks for memorial contributions to be be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., or to the Landan Bland Fund at any Great Southern Bank.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The family of a 3-year-old boy with brain cancer says he died Wednesday morning.  His death came on the same day that the family invited the community to join them in an "Hour of Prayers For Landan." 

Landan Bland was diagnosed with an S-PNET brain tumor last March.  He underwent his first craniotomy in Springfield on March 12 and a second craniotomy at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., on April 9.  The second pathology report revealed Landan had an amplification of the N-MYC gene.  Doctors told his parents that meant the tumor was even more rare and aggressive than initially thought. 

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Just four days after his second surgery, an MRI showed the tumor was already "showing growth."  The family started calling it "the monster."  After undergoing weeks of radiation treatments and chemotherapy at St. Jude in Memphis, doctors told the family in early August there was nothing more they could do for Landan. 

After returning home to Springfield, the spunky 3-year-old boy touched thousands of lives nationwide with his story.  The "Team Landan" Facebook page skyrocketed to more than 14,000 followers.  Gifts, cards and prayers poured in from California to Florida.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation gave the young Lego lover an $800 shopping spree at Toys R Us.  KY3's Maria Neider joined the family that day.

Landan's parents, Ed and Carrie Bland, openly shared the details of their painful journey and deep faith on Facebook.  Most recently, the couple posted pictures cradling and kissing their son, who was heavily sedated due to the pain from brain swelling. 

The "Hour of Prayers For Landan" was set for 5 p.m. Wednesday.  The family posted this on Team Landan:

"We ask that everyone would join us as we ALL stand in agreement and request specifically in prayer for Peace, Comfort, Strength, Healing, and acceptance that ultimately God's WILL be done.  Thank you for your prayers and support!!"

A fund is set up to help the family with expenses.  Donations can be made to the "Landan Bland Fund" at any Great Southern Bank.
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