'Never let the hard days win': Waukesha teen cancer free after nearly year-long battle

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Waukesha teen is officially cancer free after battling for nearly a year.

"There is a weight on my shoulders that has been lifted and it’s unbelievable," said Connor Wilkum.

There were loud cheers and big smiles for 18-year-old Connor as he finished his last round of chemotherapy in November, and now, he is cancer free.

“I got some pretty good news today," said Wilkum. "Found out I was in remission, so I was ecstatic about that. I was in shock for a while.”

Suffering from bad headaches, in January, he started slurring his words and had a seizure. That’s when doctors found a cancerous tumor in his brain, causing him to spend months in and out of the hospital, facing several surgeries and chemotherapy.

“I'm so used to doing things a certain way and having to deal with things," said Wilkum. "Now, I’m just again a normal kid.”

Thankful for a new beginning and a community who supported him every step of the way.

“I’m so grateful for it," said Wilkum. "There’s nothing that beats it; all my friends always check on me and make sure I’m okay."

Playing on the football team as #6 for Waukesha North High School, the community rallied around Connor, creating a "We Got Your Six" movement.

“People went so above and beyond in helping us in any way -- from bringing us dinners, to sending us gift cards, to just donating, buying T-shirts," said Karrie Wilkum, Connor's mom.

From holding fundraisers, to offering a helping hand, the community raised more than $59,000 through GoFundMe alone.

"Our community is unbelievable, and just the people that have come into our lives throughout this journey," said Karrie Wilkum. "There’s just so many people."

His support system reminding him to stay strong and always look for the positive in each day.

"Never let the hard days win," said Wilkum. "Never let them win, keep pushing.”

Connor will get to ring the bell to mark officially being cancer free on Dec. 23, something his family says will be the best Christmas gift.