When you meet 7-year-old Royce Cheadle, one thing becomes clear right away: his story isn’t defined by illness, but by his generous heart.
After being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in July 2024, Royce has faced a tough journey filled with challenges and setbacks. But along the way, he has shown remarkable strength, resilience and generosity.
Today, as the 2026 Ambassador for Sanford Children’s in Bismarck, Royce and his family are sharing their story to raise awareness and inspire support for the compassion and care found at Sanford Children’s.
A Summer That Changed Everything
The summer of 2024 should have been filled with excitement as Royce prepared for kindergarten. Instead, unexplained bruising, frequent nosebleeds and extreme fatigue began to raise concerns. When dark purple spots appeared across Royce’s body, his parents, Amanda and Jeremy, knew something was seriously wrong.
A doctor’s visit quickly confirmed their fears. Royce was in critical condition and needed immediate, specialized care.
“We were all just shell-shocked,” Amanda said. “The world was spinning.”
The family was rushed to Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo where Royce spent the next three months fighting not just his new cancer diagnosis, but severe, life-threatening complications — including MRSA, E. coli, sepsis and blood clots.
Through it all, their Sanford care team became a lifeline.
“
Sanford has truly become our family, both in Fargo and here in Bismarck. I don’t think we would have gotten through this without their support.
Royce’s Mom
More Than Medicine
For Royce and other kids facing childhood cancer, navigating the road to remission takes more than tests, scans and treatment plans. It takes programs and services that surround kids and families with love, education and guidance.
Services like nurse navigation and child life, both of which are made possible through philanthropy, play a critical role in helping Royce feel safe, supported and understood. Kristen Johnson, nurse navigator, and Melissa Schmautz, child life specialist, walk alongside the family every step of the way.
“I had never heard of nurse navigation or child life before this,” said Amanda. “It means so much that people’s generosity fuels these programs. Without them, cancer would be even scarier.”
Nurse navigation and child life services seek to create positive medical experiences that leave a lasting impact. Nurse navigators guide families through complex care journeys, while child life specialists bring comfort, education and reassurance through play, especially during the hardest moments.
“Melissa helps take Royce’s mind off things so it’s not so scary,” said Amanda. “She’ll play, be silly, even put on wigs — anything to make him smile.”
A Heart Full of Generosity
Even amid his own challenges, Royce’s instinct is to give. When balloons were delivered to his hospital room, Royce walked the halls handing them out to other kids. He’s donated gifts — some brand new — to brighten someone else’s day. And he’s always creating artwork for his care team, because, as Amanda says, “No matter what he’s going through, he just wants everyone else to be happy.”
That spirit of giving extends throughout the family. Last November, they began making and selling beaded lizards. Royce used the proceeds to buy toys for kids at Sanford Children’s as a way to give back to the place that has given him so much.
Looking Ahead
Today, Royce continues treatment and will do so for the next couple of years. After a year away from school, he is back this year as a first grader, where his teachers describe him as “so kind and smart.”
The Cheadle family is taking life one day at a time, surrounded by love, expert care and the generosity that makes Sanford Children’s so special.
You Can Make a Difference
Your generosity helps fuel health, hope and healing for kids like Royce each year at Sanford Children’s in Bismarck. Because of you, families receive compassionate care, emotional support and lifesaving services, close to home, when they need it most.
100% of your gift stays local and makes a world of difference for every child who needs us.