A smile of pure faith

What doctors believed to be a mere ankle injury from strenuous sport activities, Coltin Duncan’s family knew was much more. A couple of X-rays and MRIs later, they finally received a diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer: Stage 4, high-grade osteosarcoma.

Coltin, 15, the youngest of eight, has “always been a positive child,” his mother, Tonya Duncan, 55, said. “There’s never a time when you have to wonder ‘what’s wrong, Coltin?’”

His journey through chemotherapy has been eased by three things: faith, community and smiles. “If anyone can do it, he can do it,” said his father, David “Brackstan” Duncan, 54.

Colin has been undergoing chemotherapy at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Lexington, and the physical toll on his body has been a lot. “When he’s getting chemo, there is literally no noise in his room,” Tonya said. “No food. He cannot stand the smell of anything.”

Coltin had five extensive surgeries and two rejected blood transfusions, and almost had to have his leg amputated. Through it all, he never failed to give back to the community that has shown him so much love and support. “Our prayer through this whole thing is that God uses Coltin as his vessel,” Tonya said.

When he’s not in the hospital, Coltin can be found volunteering at the Rowland Arts Center (RAC) as an after-school mentor to kids from 5th to 8th grade. In addition to his service at the RAC, he also spends time with his Calvary Christian Youth Group.

Coltin’s youth pastor, Zac Cowan, 35, said he is grateful for his enthusiastic help with sound technology during praise sessions and being a good role model. ”Everyone loves him,” Zac said. “There’s not a single stranger that he’s ever met.”

People feel included whenever Coltin is around, Zac added. “He’s never afraid to start a conversation. That’s just kind of part of his charm.”

Coltin cited one of his favorite Bible verses, Isaiah 43:2, as his motivation to face what the next sunrise has to offer. “I know that God’s always with me, even through hard times,” he said.

Dance Blue student volunteers organize an annual 5K race to support the Hematology/Oncology Clinic at UK Golisano Children’s, where Coltin is a patient. Despite being in recovery during this year’s race, his pure optimism still shines brighter than the odds. “Next year, I’m going to run the 5K,” he said.