The Langs are a busy, vibrant family. Phil and Leighann have had their hands and calendars full for some time with two kids in college (21-year-old Sarah at Iowa State and 19-year-old Jack at UNL), one in high school (Jared, 18, a senior at Pius), and one in middle school (14-year-old Jenna, an eighth grader at Pound). Their world got much fuller — and crazier — last December when Jenna was diagnosed with leukemia. Jenna has Down Syndrome and has always radiated a special joy and light, a light that cancer hasn’t dimmed.

A diagnosis that changed everything

In December 2024, what started as a doctor’s visit for a rash turned into a life-altering moment. Jenna was rushed to Children’s Hospital, where the family learned she had high-risk B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia — a fight that would last at least two and a half years. Their first hospital stay stretched over Christmas and New Year’s, three and a half weeks away from home. Since then, the Langs have faced countless trips to Omaha, overnight stays, blood tests, and a rigorous treatment regimen.

Although Jenna has tolerated chemotherapy well, it has left her physically weak. Last February, she fell and broke her ankle and tibia, requiring extensive rehab at Madonna to learn to walk again. Ten months later, Jenna still needs assistance to get around. In a home full of stairs, her dad and brothers carry her up and down multiple times a day.

“I not sick”

Despite everything, Jenna continues to be the gift she is — happy, funny, kind, and full of life. She loves swimming, playing with her Barbies, watching movies, and singing along to any music she hears. The days can be long when mobility is limited, but Jenna handles it all like a true champion. Her response on even the hardest days? A sweet, simple, “I not sick.” And at Children’s Hospital, her only occasional request is for spaghetti from the cafeteria. That spunky spirit is why Jenna is everyone’s hero.

Bringing love to the Langs

The Langs received multiple nominations for a Magic Moment, so lots of folks thought this family deserved extra love this holiday season. We couldn’t agree more — and together with our partners, we set out to make it magical.

We thought this crew who loves the zoo and movies needed some group outings, so the Langs will enjoy a Lincoln Children’s Zoo membership and Marcus Theater gift certificates. Gas cards from Whitehead Oil will ease the burden of frequent Omaha trips, and a freezer full of Smart Chicken ensures plenty of family meals — something that always brings them together. Each family member was outfitted with new shoes from Scheels along with special gifts hand-picked just for them. Jenna’s gift pile included a variety of new activity toys to keep her busy during long days when mobility is limited, but her energy is not. 

We’re wishing Phil, Leighann, Sarah, Jack, Jared, and Jenna the happiest holidays — and brighter days ahead. Stay strong and spunky, Jenna. You’ve got a whole community cheering you on!