I don't know that I will ever be able to put the right amount of words together to accurately describe what makes Spencer Thorsland a Sioux-Per Hero. Spencer has been fighting cancer for the last 3 years and faced things no person, let alone a child, should have to endure. His journey has not been easy, but he has proven he is anything but weak. There is a light about Spencer that radiates everywhere he goes. Whether he knows it or not, his strength and positivity are truly inspiring. He looks at life in such a positive way and has an infectious way of spreading positivity. To know Spencer is to love Spencer and there are so many who love and support him.
"Our family was blessed to meet Lori & Spencer when our families both relocated to the same neighborhood within months of each other. The two of us moms watched the kids play at the park and started chatting. We quickly discovered that we shared a lot of ties (including both having sons named Spencer in the same class)and everyone became fast friends. As Lori said, “God knew what seed he was planting years ago at that park”. The boys have been constant friends ever since that day. Spencer H said Spencer T is a good friend. His strongest super power is absolutely his sense of humor. Spencer H says Spencer T “can always make you laugh. You can’t have a bad day around him!” As a mom, I see Spencer T’s super power as his positive nature. Even in this storm he says he will win this battle- on heaven or earth he will win. If we could all carry a bit of his attitude with us this world would be a bit more super indeed!" - Erica Hazelton
"How do you even put into words what makes Spencer so great? I met Spencer when he started 5th grade. He was almost done with his maintenance chemo so his mom and I had had a few conversations about how he handles things and what he may need from me as his nurse. From the moment I met Spencer and his mom, I knew this kid was something special. He never once complained when he wasn’t feeling well. He never griped or groaned, fussed or complained. He knew the cards that he had been dealt and he played his hand the best he could. A few years prior, I had a group of students that would stop at the end of the day and I came up with what we called “highs and lows”. I wanted to hear the best part and the worst part of their day…with the only rule being you had to have more highs than lows. And what started as more lows than highs eventually became the opposite. They were seeing the good in each day, no matter how big or small it was. One of Spencer’s very good friends is diabetic so when she came at the end of the day to get her things, he was always with her. So to make this after school time productive, I started “highs and lows” with them. It was such a blessing to do this with these two each day. To see life from their eyes. One with cancer and the other with diabetes. Spencer never once had a low about his cancer. Never once did he complain about treatments or side effects. He would have highs about seeing his favorite nurse at the clinic or the Child Life Specialist. Sometimes his high would be the excitement of how long his hair had finally gotten. But the best high was when he came in with a huge smile to tell me that his cancer was in remission.Everything that Spencer has gone through makes him a super hero. He’s gone through things and has faced things that kids shouldn’t have to face. He has a faith bigger than most kids his age and openly talks about it with you. He is the light that people need…even in the midst of the darkest moments. After Spencer’s cancer had relapsed and he wasn’t able to come to school, we would FaceTime him to do highs and lows. Still the same Spencer, sometimes tired and nauseous but always had more highs than lows. This kid has a heart of gold." - Libby
"Spencer is a super hero because he not only represents what good faith in God looks like, but he is also so strong with all procedures in pain, but he has went through so much and he never complains. Ever since I have been friends with Spencer he has always taught me how to be strong and optimistic. He has motivated me to think in a better perspective. Spencer is one of the kindest people I have ever met, and he brings so much joy and love to me and this world! He’s even taking the time to get me gifts in between his hospital stays. He thinks of others even when he is the one is pain. From all these things, i will always remember his heroic personality." -Kinley
If there is anything we can learn from Spencer, it's to make the most of each day. Life is hard and it is full of struggles, but there is not one day on this earth that is not meant to be lived and lived well. So smile more, love more, and find your highs. Positive vibes only. And to Spencer, thank you for being the Sioux-Per Hero we all need in our lives. I am so proud of your fight and of your positivity. The world needs more people like you.
If you want to further support Spencer and his family, here is the link to their Go Fund Me.
Make sure to nominate your Sioux-Per Hero Of the Week to be featured on Macaroni KID Sioux Falls. Sioux-Per Heros will be chosen each week and be given TWO FREE drink cards from Dunn Brothers East Sioux Falls. These FREE drink cards allows for any beverage, of any size off of their menu. 
