Touching many lives in her brief time on earth, Lakken Burzynski passed away Thursday, May 23 at the age of 21.
The namesake for Team Lakken, Burzynski defeated childhood cancer in the form of medulloblastoma when she was just 10 years old, receiving treatment for 13 months and adopting the motto “Never let anything dull your sparkle.” She spent time at Marshfield Children’s Hospital and shared her story through speaking at fundraising events, also starring local commercials.
“I could write forever about her strength, courage and positivity,” dad Greg Burzynski shared recently. “During her first bout with cancer at age 10, she would have procedures explained to her and she’d just shrug it off and tell them to do whatever they needed to do. She made every attempt to be at school and do the things kids her age were doing.”
Returning to school as her first cancer diagnosis went into remission, Lakken participated in both drama club and choir at Stanley-Boyd as well as the National Honor Society, FFA, and FCCLA. She was also runner up for Miss Stanley 2019.
Graduating in the Top Ten with the Stanley-Boyd Class of 2020, Lakken went on to pursue a degree in early childhood education at UW-Eau Claire. A regularly scheduled checkup during her junior year of college revealed the presence of glioblastoma, a form of cancer unrelated to her previous diagnosis. Lakken fought the disease with bravery and altruism, staying positive and taking as her new motto to “live each day as if it’s your last.”
“I know she was almost always in pain and discomfort, but she put on a strong front for all of us,” dad Greg shared. “Her positivity throughout this year was a comfort to us all.”
Visitation for Lakken will take place Wednesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Plombon Funeral Home in Stanley, followed by services at Jacob’s Well in Chippewa Falls on Thursday, May 30 at 11 a.m. In honor of Lakken, the family asks that attendees to the wake and funeral wear bright and happy colors, in true Lakken fashion.
“Lakken always loved wearing bright colors and fun patterns. While we still want everyone to dress nicely and respectfully for her services, in true Lakken fashion, our family asks that you wear bright/happy colors instead of dark colors as we celebrate her life both on May 29 and 30.”
A full obituary appears on page 7 of this week’s Stanley Republican.
