Sometimes, it takes a parent’s intuition, combined with access to expert pediatric care, to change the course of a child’s life. For Stacy and Neal Coleman, this combination saved their son Atlas. What began as an ordinary day quickly became a life-altering journey—a story of fear, courage, resilience, and hope that has inspired their family, medical staff, and countless others.

A Sudden Scare

Atlas was just fifteen months old when the first sign appeared. While eating a grilled burger, he became inconsolable. Alarmed, Stacy and Neal rushed him to the emergency room. Initial X-rays appeared normal, but doctors noticed an abnormality in his lung. A follow-up CT scan revealed congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), a benign cyst in the lung that could become malignant if left untreated.

Though the lesion was non-cancerous, Stacy and Neal recognized the importance of expert care. They sought a second opinion at Stead Family Children’s Hospital, part of University of Iowa Health Care—a decision that would ultimately save Atlas’ life.

“After meeting with the surgeon, we immediately knew we wanted to transfer Atlas’ care to the children’s hospital,” Stacy recalls. “They made us feel so comfortable about what was to come.”

The Surgery That Changed Everything

At eighteen months old, Atlas slept peacefully in his car seat as his parents drove from their home in central Iowa to Iowa City. What awaited him was surgery to remove the lower lobe of his left lung—a routine procedure for the hospital’s surgeons but an extraordinary experience for the Colemans.

“We had very good medical advice, but of course, it’s scary,” Stacy remembers. “I cried in the car on the way there.”
Neal adds, “Talking with a surgeon who does this routinely made us feel more comfortable. There was some comfort knowing we were in good hands.”

What was expected to be a two-hour operation extended to four. During surgery, Dr. Erica Carlisle noticed something unusual and carefully examined Atlas’ entire chest cavity. Atlas’ parents waited anxiously, uncertain of what the results would reveal. When the biopsy results arrived, their worst fears—and a surprising truth—emerged.

“The really rare thing that we thought was unlikely to happen, happened,” Stacy recalls Dr. Carlisle saying. Atlas’ CPAM was only part of the story. He was diagnosed with pleuropulmonary blastoma, a fast-growing lung cancer extraordinarily rare in children. Genetic testing revealed he carried a DICER1 mutation, increasing his risk for other cancers in the future.

Immediate Action and a Customized Treatment Plan

Though the diagnosis was shocking, the timing was critical. Neal explains, “If we had waited another month, the cancer would have been in a more advanced stage.” Atlas’ care team at Stead Family Children’s Hospital immediately collaborated with a partner program to create a custom treatment plan. Over six months, Atlas underwent chemotherapy, regular scans, in-patient stays, and additional procedures—all while his parents navigated the emotional and logistical challenges of caring for a young child with cancer.

“It can feel overwhelming and insurmountable,” Stacy admits. “But a constant source of comfort was the capable team supporting him. They were always patient, responsive, and caring.”

Even during frightening procedures like blood draws, the staff treated Atlas with patience, empathy, and kindness. The hospital’s Child Life team helped him cope, turning fear into manageable steps and guiding the family through a complex medical journey with understanding and compassion.

Thriving Through Treatment

Despite the intensity of treatment, Atlas thrived. Scans soon showed no detectable cancer, and today, six years later, he is cancer-free. While his DICER1 mutation means ongoing monitoring is necessary, the Colemans’ anxiety has been tempered by profound gratitude.

“He is alive today because of the knowledge and proactive care provided by an incredible team of doctors, nurses, and support staff,” Stacy says. “We are endlessly thankful to be from Iowa and have such close access to this amazing hospital.”

Life Beyond Cancer

Now eight years old and a third grader, Atlas is a vivacious, curious, and active child. He loves drawing, sports, reading, and telling jokes. Stacy shares, “He picks up an interest and never puts it down.”

Atlas has embraced the role of a survivor, participating in local cancer walks, proudly wearing his survivor shirt, and inspiring other children and families to believe in hope and healing. His journey demonstrates that even in the face of serious illness, children can grow, thrive, and lead fulfilling lives with the right support and care.

Lessons in Courage, Hope, and Family

For the Colemans, Atlas’ experience reinforces several powerful lessons:

• Trust your instincts: Parents’ intuition can be critical in recognizing when something is wrong.

• Early action saves lives: Seeking expert opinions and acting promptly can make all the difference.

• Expert care matters: Access to skilled medical teams and comprehensive pediatric facilities is life-changing.

• Family support is vital: Love, reassurance, and advocacy provide emotional strength during uncertain times.

From a scared toddler in a car seat to a resilient child full of life, Atlas’ story is a testament to courage, hope, and the power of early detection and specialized care.

A Story That Inspires

Atlas Coleman’s journey is more than a medical success story—it is a reminder that children facing life-threatening illnesses can demonstrate extraordinary resilience. His life illustrates the profound impact of timely intervention, compassionate care, and unwavering parental support.

Through his experience, Atlas teaches us all about the power of hope, determination, and human connection. His journey shows that even when the odds seem insurmountable, a child’s spirit, paired with a dedicated medical team and loving family, can triumph over adversity.

“Atlas’ story is a reminder that sometimes the right second opinion can mean the difference between despair and hope, between uncertainty and triumph,” Stacy reflects.

Thanks to early detection, expert care, and a family’s unwavering determination, Atlas continues to grow, thrive, and inspire, showing the world the remarkable strength of a young boy who refused to be defined by cancer.