Connor Whaley: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Spotlight

By: Lillian Henninger

Connor Whaley is a junior at Indiana University and is from Indianapolis, Indiana. This will be his third year being a part of Indiana University Dance Marathon (IUDM), currently the Family Relations Chair on the Riley Development Committee.

At the age of nine, Connor was diagnosed with aplastic-anemia, a condition where the body stops producing new healthy blood cells. This diagnosis led him to Riley Hospital for Children, where he underwent cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant from his older brother, Cobey. 

Connor’s story does not end with his diagnosis. Two of his closest friends were diagnosed with life-threatening diseases shortly after his transplant and were both treated at Riley. Drake Williams, who battled and beat leukemia, and Jack Klein, who sadly lost his fight against lymphoma. Drake and Jack are central figures in Connor’s life that not only shape his story but also push him to keep fighting for others.

Post-treatment, Connor had the opportunity to attend Camp Little Red Door, a camp for children undergoing cancer treatment or those in remission. Every year at camp, Connor shaved his head in honor of his friends in remission, those still in treatment, and those who had lost their battle with cancer. Experiencing, and being a part of Camp Little Red Door’s community sparked his desire even more to give back to help those who are having similar experiences to his own. 

As of February this year, Connor is celebrating ten years in remission. Each day, he is so grateful for the care and support from Riley Hospital for Children, his family, and his friends. 

Connor believes that IUDM is the best place to be able to provide support and make a difference. “Joining IUDM was a no-brainer for me,” Connor says. 

He joined FYDE, the First Year Dancer Experience Committee, his freshman year. He was already familiar with IUDM when he came to IU because his best friend, Matthew Klein’s sister, Ali Klein, was heavily involved within the organization as the President of IUDM the year Connor was in FYDE (2022). 

After being on FYDE, Connor wanted to apply to be on the Riley Development (Riley D) committee because he saw the way Riley D interacted with the Riley buddies and families. He was able to relate to the families’ experience and wanted to be there for those who were going through what he had gone through. He joined Riley D and is now a committee chair. He says that being a part of Riley D “has been the most rewarding experience I’ve had.” 

Connor’s journey from battling a severe illness to a committed advocate for others is an inspiration. Thank you Connor for sharing your story.