Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Kodiak

Kodiak loves to play outside, play Mario Brothers and with hot wheels. 

In the fall of 2023 Kodiak was diagnosed with two rare and aggressive forms of cancer: Mixed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or ‘preleukemia.’ It all started this past fall when Kodiak was struck with a series of different seasonal illnesses. Kodiak’s mom Tonya shared “In September, he got COVID, and then in November it was the flu, and then December RSV.” She shared after a doctor’s appointment and a full panel of blood work, the doctor reached out and suggested taking him to the emergency room the next day. Tonya shared “We thought we were just gonna go in there and come out, but they ended up keeping us and started giving him blood transfusions right away. So far, he’s had Spider-Man blood, Batman blood, Hulk blood, Superman blood, and we just did Aquaman. We’re just gonna keep doing ‘superhero blood’ to make us strong. I told him God’s just putting us through a special strength training test, that’s how he understands it.”

Kodiak has been so resilient and strong during each treatment cycle which includes a month long hospital stay each time. Making the most out of his experience, Kodiak puts on talent shows, magic shows and has made many friends while in the hospital. After being referred to Keaton’s, Kodiak’s Family Navigator has had the privilege of meeting him at his local treatment facility to share our joy-filled Hope Chest, and gas cards to support with transportation. Tonya shared “Keaton’s has helped so much; our Family Navigator has supported us with any needs that have come up. We are so appreciative.”

It has been an honor to provide support for Kodiak’s family. The team at Keaton’s could not be prouder of Kodiak and his strength and resiliency. We look forward to offering continual support and hope for his loving family.

The Unsung Heroes

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family is impacted. In this journey, siblings often become the unsung heroes—quietly showing strength, compassion, and resilience beyond their years.

While the focus is understandably on the child battling cancer, siblings face their own emotional challenges. They may experience feelings of worry, fear, confusion, or even guilt, and it’s important to acknowledge their role and provide support for them as well.

Read More ›

Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Stryder

Meet Keaton’s Kiddo Stryder, a fun-loving 5-year-old who enjoys animals and race cars! At just two years old, Stryder was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that develops from immature nerve cells, and spreads to distant parts of the body. When Stryder was diagnosed, he was just three months away from celebrating his 3rd Birthday. A time that was supposed to be exciting and celebratory turned into a moment of heartbreak, and what began as an ordinary childhood took a dramatic and heart-wrenching turn, turning his and his family’s world upside down. Despite the weight of his diagnosis and all that’s come with it, Stryder’s spirit has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Read More ›

Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Peyton

Meet Keaton’s Kiddo Peyton, a resilient and joyful little girl whose life was forever changed when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at just 3 years old. When Peyton’s mom, Dianna, noticed unusual symptoms like persistent low-grade fevers, pale skin, and unexplained bruises, she followed her instincts and pushed for further tests. This led to the heartbreaking leukemia diagnosis, but Peyton and Dianna quickly found solace in the network of support provided by Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance.

Read More ›
en_USEN