Meet the Schopfs

Taiven Schopf was born on May 16, 2009. In November of 2014, Taiven started getting sick about every day, which made doctors think it was a food allergy or anxiety. It wasn’t until January 2015 when Taiven’s eye rotated to the right that he saw a pediatric oncologist at the advice of his optometrist. That month, when he was 5 years old, Taiven was diagnosed with ependymoma - a type of brain tumor. Taiven had surgery on his tumors that month and shortly thereafter lost his ability to talk, move, or even smile. The next year was filled with various physical, occupational, and speech therapies to get him walking and running around with his classmates and family.

Now 11, Taiven’s scans are stable and showing no regression! According to Taiven’s parents, Tammy and Dean, Taiven is a completely different kid now than he was a few years ago. He loves cars, trucks, animals, amusement parks, racing, and playing outside. Taiven is Springfield’s superhero and the embodiment of true strength. We are so lucky to have Tammy, Dean, and Taiven in our Springfield family.

The Schopfs love big family visits and are looking forward to many more THONs with Springfield!