Cowboy Strong: Local youth faces cancer battle

He stands 6'4", a solidly-built young adult of 19 years old, who has, so far, held his own against all that life has had to throw at him.

Whether it be football, wrestling or the rodeo arena, Kaulder Kvamme, son of Jeff and Jona Kvamme of Carrington, has projected the image of quiet confidence, with a touch of cockiness and hint of a sassy attitude that his mom would argue he inherited from his dad.

In the course of the last few months, however, that sense of youthful invulnerability has been shattered for the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) student, with just one word.

Cancer.

Kvamme was diagnosed with testicular cancer in March, and decided that the battle was his and his alone to fight, with his family by his side and without attention drawn to his situation.

"It's still something that's difficult for him to talk about," said Jona.

After a few months, it was thought that he had largely beaten it, but as his mom termed the fight, "[cancer] has a way of regrouping and sneaking up on you like it's guerilla warfare," according to a July 19 Facebook post.

In June, the cancer returned, spreading to the lymph nodes in his stomach, and Jona said Kaulder's fight has become, in her words, more lengthy and complicated.

"The power of prayer and the strength of a caring community are what we are seeking now, and I have convinced Kaulder it's time to share his story," Jona wrote.

She admits that while her son's trials and tribulations with the disease have not gone as long as many others have endured it, it's still been a tough road.

"Sometimes I've doubted my own strength, but Kaulder has been fearless and positive," said Jona. "So, even though my mother's heart hurts to see him go through this, I could not be more proud of his courage."

On August 11, Jona shared an update on Kaulder's situation.

He moved to Wahpeton to try and finish school at NDSCS, and recently started his last five-day chemotherapy regimen. There will be two more day treatments before doctors re-evaluate him.

Jona hopes that the latest round of treatment will drive the cancer into remission, but, "Only time will tell."

"We just take it day by day," she says. "He has good days and bad days, but in true Kaulder fashion, he never says much unless it's really bad... He's been a trooper, though, and as tough as nails."

The Kvammes appreciate continued prayers and positive thoughts sent Kaulder's way.

"Despite everything, we have felt blessed because we know it could always be worse," Jona concluded.

Raffle to benefit Kvamme

Family friends Robin Anderson and Nikki Boote are putting on a "Friends of Kaulder Kvamme" gun raffle to help defray medical costs and travel expenses for Kaulder's treatments, with the drawing scheduled for September 28 at 5 p.m. at the Carrington Wrestling Center, 69 9th Ave. S.

Eight items will be raffled off:

• Henry H024-4570 45-70 Side Gate

• Henry H024 38-55 Side Gate

• Henry H006CS Big Boy Silver .45 Colt

• Henry H009G 30-30

• Henry H012GM Big Boy Steel .357

• Henry H006 Big Boy .44 Magnum

• Henry H004S Silverboy .22 LR

• Henry H001M Lever Action .22 Magnum

Cost is $50.00 per ticket, and only 1,500 tickets will be sold.

Guns must be picked up at Dry Dock Sports in Carrington, and all Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) laws apply.

Tickets can be purchased locally at Headlocks Bar, Dakota Central in Carrington and Jamestown, Barton Meats, Leading Edge Equipment, Sykeston Dam Bar and Grill, Sykeston Legion, the Re Bar (Glenfield), and the Five Spot Bar.

Per a Facebook post by Robin Anderson dated from August 15, those wishing to take the social media route can message friends Jade Boote, Nikki Boote, Robin Anderson, Dawsyn Anderson, Mindy Lura, JoAnna Larsen, and Ashley Kramer, along with any other persons listed on the post. Those who comment on the post will get a Messenger response from Jade Boote along with further instructions.

Others wishing to sell tickets for the raffle can contact Anderson or any of the above friends.

In addition to the raffle, an account has been set up at Bank Forward in Carrington for those who wish to make monetary donations.