Birthday: October 29, 2003
Diagnosed: March 16, 2024
On March 16, 2024, Ethan White’s world was turned upside down with a diagnosis few can fathom. Just 21 years old, Ethan was told he had a diffuse midline glioma (DMG) brain tumor—a rare and aggressive form of cancer with a survival prognosis of nine to twelve months. An Ann Arbor native, Ethan’s life had been filled with the sound of his snare drum on the Michigan Marching Band’s drumline, thoughtful articles penned for The Michigan Daily, and the enthusiasm of summers spent working with kids, including those with special needs. A student at the University of Michigan, majoring in psychology and pre-med, Ethan has always had a passion for helping others and a zest for life that seemed unbreakable.
Ethan first noticed something was wrong in February when his right side started to weaken, leaving him unable to drum as he once did. “It almost felt like I forgot how to activate what I needed to,” he reflects. “No pain. No tingling. Nothing.” Soon after, an MRI revealed the unimaginable: a mass in the middle of his brain. “It was all a blur for a couple of days,” he recalls. “I was scared mostly, and confused too. I wanted answers at a time when there were seemingly zero answers for me.” His mom, Michelle Sherman, stood by his side as doctors explained the grim reality and limited treatment options—radiation being the only immediate course of action.
Despite the odds, Ethan radiates a surprising positivity. He’s resilient yet laid-back, embracing each day as it comes—ready to fight, but with a calm determination. Rather than letting this diagnosis define him, he’s dedicated himself to living fully and giving back through advocacy and outreach for cancer awareness. “I see my disease as a puzzle,” he says, “one I can put together for myself and for others.”
Though Ethan is not currently enrolled in a clinical trial, he works closely with Dr. Koschmann, his neuro-oncologist, to manage his treatment with a combination of medications, including ONC201, Everolimus, and Mekinist. While the medication regimen brings its own set of challenges—mouth sores, gastrointestinal upset, and fatigue—Ethan’s symptoms have thankfully subsided in recent months, allowing him to regain strength on his right side.
Ethan draws strength from his close-knit circle. His parents and girlfriend, Natalie, have been pillars of support, as have his housemates, Ian, Devin, Ben, Elliot, and Miles, who have shown unwavering adaptability to his new needs. He also finds solace in hobbies like rock climbing, a sport that challenges him physically and mentally, and counts himself lucky for the memorable experiences he’s had, like meeting Michigan football star Aidan Hutchinson.
As the holidays approach, Ethan looks forward to embracing family traditions—this year, with a deeper appreciation, viewing each moment through a renewed lens of gratitude and awareness. He plans to visit his cousins in Illinois, who, being closest in age to him, provide a comforting sense of camaraderie. “We all get along really well and have a nice time with each other,” he shares warmly.
Ethan’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of life’s hardest trials, there is beauty to be found, life to be lived, and hope to be shared.
“Each morning I get up and remind myself that I’m alive,” he said. “Just taking no days for granted and trucking on.”
