Hope, Strength, and Healing for families coping with a child cancer diagnosis

Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Avayah

Adorable, one-year-old, Avayah is full of energy and smiles!

In Apil of 2022, Avayah was unfortunately diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a slowly progressing and uncommon type of blood-cell cancer that begins in the bone marrow, and is caused by a chromosome mutation that occurs spontaneously. Since the time of her diagnosis, Avayah’s family has had to make many adjustments to support her specific treatment needs. Commuting almost two hours, round trip, and having to take time away from work for long hospital stays, Avayah’s family has unfortunately encountered the many challenges and stressors that come with any childhood cancer diagnosis. However, their love and support of one another, and taking Avayah’s journey day by day has always motivated them to do what they can for their little girl, and Avayah’s baby brother, Martin.

Despite the many barriers and financial strain they’ve encountered, Avayah’s family cherishes the support from their loved ones around them. To best focus on her cancer treatment, Avayah’s aunt has offered to support Avayah’s mom and dad with child care for baby Martin, and her grandma has stepped in to provide financial and emotional care as much as possible. Although this journey has been difficult for each close member of their family, the support shared empowers their strength and resiliency as a family unit.

Despite the many barriers and financial strain they’ve encountered, Avayah’s family cherishes the support from their loved ones around them. To best focus on her cancer treatment, Avayah’s aunt has offered to support Avayah’s mom and dad with child care for baby Martin, and her grandma has stepped in to provide financial and emotional care as much as possible. Although this journey has been difficult for each close member of their family, the support shared empowers their strength and resiliency as a family unit.

Since being referred to Keaton’s, our team has been happy to provide Avayah’s parents with a financial grant through our Financial Assistance Program and a joy-filled Hope Chest for her and baby Martin, filled with special toys and items just for them. Thanks to our partnership with Build-A-Bear and sponsors at Detail Maniac, little Avayah also received a very special furry friend, in hopes of providing comfort as she continues to embark on her cancer journey.

” Just wanted to say thank you for Avayah’s bear. She loved it so much! And has it with her for bedtime every night. It was the only thing that could cheer her up after surgery.” (Avayah’s mom)

It has been an honor for Keaton’s to provide support for Avayah’s family. We look forward to continued connections, and hope to see the kiddos and family at future family events.

Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Dallas

Little one-year-old Dallas enjoys playing ball, being a Dallas Cowboys fan, and watching Mickey Mouse and Sonic. In October 2022, his life changed when he was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma, a cancer that spreads to distant parts of the body such as distant lymph nodes, bones, liver, skin, bone marrow, or other organs. Since receiving this diagnosis, Dallas’s family had to quickly adapt to the challenges that many families face with a childhood cancer diagnosis.

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Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Angelee

Let us celebrate Angelee for reaching her maintenance milestone and returning to school. Keaton’s has been part of Angelee’s journey since she was first diagnosed about a year ago. We have been able to see Angelee grow and get to know what an amazing 8-year-old she is. We have enjoyed connecting with her extremely supportive family that have been with every step of the way, and we are honored to be a part of their support system.

“It started as a normal weekend for us and ended with Jaylen being in the hospital for two weeks. Thankfully, we noticed the signs his body was showing us, petechiae and lots of random bruises, that something was not right.”

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Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Jaylen

Jaylen is a sweet and thoughtful 4-year-old. Jaylen was diagnosed almost 6 months ago with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. His Mom shared the journey from her perspective.

“It started as a normal weekend for us and ended with Jaylen being in the hospital for two weeks. Thankfully, we noticed the signs his body was showing us, petechiae and lots of random bruises, that something was not right.”

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