We are saddened to share that Courtney Frohling passed away on February 26th, 2024 after a 5 year rare cancer journey. In 2021, Courtney submitted her story to share with the Brave Like Gabe community. She wrote, “#BraveLikeCourtney means not giving up because I'm not done running or living! Running has helped prepare my body and mind to be in great shape to fight this battle.”

In June 2019, Courtney was diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma. Two years later, ER scans after a seizure showed that the melanoma had spread to her brain and other parts of her body. Courtney underwent a craniotomy to remove the tumor that caused the seizure and began immunotherapy and radiation. In 2021, her diagnosis was deemed stage 4 metastatic melanoma. 

From running cross country and track at Perham High School to continuing her college education at Augustana University with goals to pursue a medical profession, Courtney embodied a resilient spirit. Despite her circumstances, she continued to run and live throughout her rare cancer diagnosis and treatment. She truly believed that running helped both her body and mind flourish. She held true to the fact that her cancer diagnosis would not define how she lived her life.

Her family shared that Courtney’s wish was for everyone to embrace the grief around her death, but to also celebrate her life. Please join us in sending love to everyone who knew and loved her. We are forever inspired by #BraveLikeCourtney 💙

Courtney’s Story from March 2021

Name: Courtney Frohling
Age: 17
Diagnosis: Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma
Location: Perham, MN

“My story begins back in 2019 when I had a spot removed from my neck that June. Much to all of our surprise, what seemed like a normal freckle and had never caused any suspicion, turned out to be melanoma. Stage 2 Melanoma. I had a wide excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy in July, and we all thought the melanoma was beat. The staging was dialed back to 1B. 

Friday, February 12, 2021, has changed my life. I had a seizure that evening. My slight headaches and the seizure were initially chalked up to a new acne medication. Luckily, my vision slightly changed just before discharge from the Perham ER, leading to a CT scan. I had a small tumor in the temporal lobe. I was transferred to Sanford Fargo at 2am, and settled in for a short night to prepare for a busy day ahead of imaging. My MRI showed a few more brain lesions, along with lesions on 2 vertebrae, the lung, spleen and pubic bone. 

Neurosurgery performed a craniotomy on Monday to remove the one larger tumor that caused the seizure. Lots of imaging consumed my Tuesday and I was able to go home Wednesday to start healing. 

Pathology supports a diagnosis of Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma. This appears to be very aggressive and I’m going to fight it...ALL the way! The data you will find out there is for adults, NOT kids. My situation is VERY rare. 

I’ve been back to Fargo for a whole-body PET scan and more imaging, with no new lesions or changes! I’ve met with Pediatric Oncology and Radiation to get my game plan created. Two types of immunotherapy were started on March 1st, which I have tolerated very well. Those will continue every 3 weeks for 4 sessions, then every other week. Radiation starts on March 8th for the brain lesions.”

HOW HAS RUNNING OR STAYING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE AFFECTED YOUR CANCER JOURNEY? 

“I feel like my cancer journey is really just starting, although I first had Stage 2 melanoma in 2019. I think that running has helped me by being in the best shape going into this journey.”

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE ON STAYING FIT THROUGHOUT THEIR CANCER TREATMENT OR RECOVERY?

“Since my journey is new, I haven't really gotten that far yet. I know that I feel better physically and mentally when I'm active. I am going to participate as best I can in the upcoming track season and stay active.”

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE BEING DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER?

“I have continued to train hard since my first diagnosis and the 2020 cross season was my best yet.”

HOW HAS GABE'S STORY IMPACTED YOU OR CHANGED THE WAY YOU VIEW LIFE AS A CANCER PATIENT/SURVIVOR?

“As a cross country runner for Perham High School, Gabe's story is very familiar. Our coach, Jeff Morris, was Gabe's coach during her HS years. I started following Gabe's career as a 7th grader. I was always impressed that she could stay motivated and positive while continuing to run. She was receiving treatments and still running professionally! When I got my diagnosis the first time, I knew I could do what I had to do and continued training. Cross season started two weeks after my wide excision surgery. I may not have been running as fast, but I wasn't going to give up. Now with my relapse, and track season starting March 28th, I will need to slowly get back to where I was. Running has helped prepare my body and mind to be in great shape to fight this battle.”

WHAT DOES BEING #BRAVELIKECOURTNEY MEAN TO YOU?

“#BraveLikeCourtney means not giving up because I'm not done running or living! I can't wait to get back to running and training for my senior cross country season.”