Six-Year-Old Celebrates Final Cancer Treatment with Charlotte Fire

Dakota Shuford poses proudly with Charlotte Fire's Engine 6 crew members, Capt. Jason Clark and Engineer Jeffrey Field, who came to celebrate his last day of cancer treatment at Levine Cancer Institute. 

By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire 

Dakota Shuford may be just six years old, but his understanding of courage and heroism far surpasses his age. Diagnosed at age two with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive soft-tissue cancer, Dakota has faced more challenges than most people do in a lifetime. On November 11, his bravery was celebrated as he completed his final day of treatment at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Proton & Advanced Radiation Center, surrounded by the firefighters he has long admired. 

Wearing a shirt that reads "I am BRAVE! I am STRONG! #DakotaStrong," Dakota shows his spirit and determination as he celebrates his last cancer treatment. 

As Dakota walked out of the treatment center wearing a shirt that read, "I'm Brave. I'm Strong. #DakotaStrong," he was greeted by a cheering group from Charlotte Fire’s Engine 6 and Ladder 1 crews. They came to celebrate this remarkable young man’s resilience and mark a day he and his family had been hoping for since his first diagnosis. Dakota, beaming with excitement, was met with applause and encouragement from these very special Charlotte firefighters. 

Dakota rings the traditional cancer bell with pride, symbolizing the end of his cancer treatment journey with Charlotte Fire's Engine 6 and Ladder 1 crew by his side. 

The highlight of the day was the moment Dakota rang the traditional cancer bell, symbolizing the end of his treatment. But his celebration didn’t stop there. Charlotte Fire’s Engine 6 crew quickly lifted Dakota up to sound the alarm and horn, letting the world know he had conquered his battle with cancer. Dakota’s mother, Elizabeth Shuford, expressed gratitude, saying, “It feels phenomenal because you never realize how much support is around you until you’re in a situation like this. Dakota has had everyone cheering for him, and these firefighters mean the world to him.” 

Dakota stands with Firefighter William Roosenberg and Charlotte Fire's mascot, Blaze, enjoying the celebration in front of Engine 6. 

Dakota’s love for firefighters is in his blood. With a family history steeped in firefighting, Dakota has grown up idolizing these everyday heroes. Elizabeth shared that Dakota’s admiration began early, fueled by visits to his family’s firehouse, where his great-uncle serves as chief. Though Dakota’s father joked he wouldn’t be into fire trucks, the little boy embraced his family’s firefighting tradition wholeheartedly.  Dakota’s dream of becoming a firefighter one day is a testament to his love for these fearless protectors. 

Throughout Dakota’s battle, he has shared a unique bond with another hero who understands the path he’s walked—26-year-old Kings Mountain firefighter Hunter Pearson. Hunter, who is also undergoing treatment for Ewing sarcoma, a rare bone and soft tissue cancer, first met Dakota when they became the first two patients in the Carolinas to receive proton beam therapy at Levine Cancer. The advanced treatment, which precisely targets cancerous cells while sparing healthy tissue, offered new hope for both Dakota and Hunter. This shared experience cemented their bond, as they found strength in each other’s courage and resilience. 

Dakota stands alongside Charlotte Firefighters from Ladder 1 and Engine 6, including Firefighter Hunter Pearson (far left), who is also bravely battling cancer, as they celebrate Dakota's final day of cancer treatment. 

Fire Chief Reginald Johnson commended Dakota’s bravery, saying, “Dakota is a true fighter and an inspiration to all of us. Watching him finish his last treatment reminds us of the courage that defines real heroes. Dakota has a community here at Charlotte Fire, and we’re proud to stand by him.” 

As a token of their admiration, Charlotte Fire crews brought Dakota a goody bag filled with Charlotte Fire memorabilia, including a firefighter’s patch and other mementos he could take home. For Dakota, these items were treasures, reminders of the courage he shares with the firefighters he looks up to. “He loves everything about firefighters,” Elizabeth shared, “and he’s been through so much, so to have these moments with people who mean so much to him is a huge gift.”

Firefighter William Roosenberg presents Dakota with a goody bag filled with Charlotte Fire memorabilia, honoring the young cancer warrior's strength and resilience. 

For Dakota’s mother, the journey has been long and often difficult. “Dakota was first diagnosed at 2 1/2 years old with stage 4 cancer. He went through extensive chemo and radiation, and it’s been a struggle,” Elizabeth said. Dakota’s treatment involved being put to sleep daily, an exhausting routine for someone so young. After a brief remission, he relapsed shortly after his fifth birthday, and a new spot emerged just when they thought he was nearing the end. “This is where proton therapy came into effect,” she added, hopeful about the advancements in care now available in the Carolinas. 

Dakota takes the driver’s seat of Engine 6, joyfully sounding the alarm to celebrate his last day of treatment, a special moment for this brave young fighter. 

Charlotte Fire’s presence at Dakota’s final treatment day underscores the community’s strength and resilience. Dakota’s journey has resonated with Charlotte Fire and beyond, as local firehouses frequently rallied around him, arranging surprise visits and ensuring he felt supported. Elizabeth said, “When he was first diagnosed, I didn’t know we would have so many people pulling for him, praying for him. These firefighters have been there for him, and today, it means the world to have them here.” 

Dakota’s story is one of resilience and bravery, fueled by his admiration for the very people who, in his eyes, represent what it means to be a hero. Hunter Pearson’s journey mirrors Dakota’s, as they both courageously face life’s toughest battles. Their friendship and shared experience symbolize hope for others going through similar struggles. 

Charlotte Fire’s mascot, Blaze, strikes a celebratory pose in front of the Levine Cancer Institute, showing support for Dakota's final treatment day. 

As Dakota embarks on a new chapter cancer-free, he does so with the support of Charlotte Fire and his family, who have all played a role in his journey. The proton therapy at Levine Cancer, which has given Dakota and Hunter new hope, serves as a beacon for future patients, a symbol of progress in the fight against pediatric cancer. 

Dakota’s final horn blow on Engine 6 marked the end of a difficult road, but also the beginning of a brighter future. For Charlotte Fire and the Shuford family, Dakota will always be part of the firefighting community, a young hero whose journey has inspired many. 

Surrounded by his family, medical team, friends, and Charlotte Firefighters, Dakota smiles in front of Engine 6, marking the end of his challenging cancer treatment journey.