Keaton’s Kiddos

Today, on National Down Syndrome Day, we recognize that children with Down Syndrome are 10 to 20 times more likely to develop leukemia. This unique connection between childhood cancer and Down Syndrome—a reality for many families, including our beloved Keaton’s Kiddo, Joy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Facing the reality of three brain surgeries and years of chemotherapy, Keaton’s Teen Alliance Warrior, Pedro, embarked on a tumultuous journey that transformed him in ways he never anticipated.

In the summer of 2021, Pedro’s life took an unexpected and challenging turn. At just 14 years old, he was diagnosed with a juvenile brain tumor, known as “pilocytic astrocytoma”, a type of brain tumor that can occur in any area where astrocytes are present. While the tumor itself was benign, its size and location necessitated a rigorous regimen of surgical and chemical treatments.

Meet Keaton’s Kiddo, Gianna, a smart and beautiful 7-year-old who enjoys arts, music, and playing outside. In March of 2022, when Gianna was just four years old, her family received the devastating news that she was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the rapid production of immature white blood cells. For a young child like Gianna, the diagnosis was a harrowing journey that would test her resilience and the strength of her family.

May of 2021 started like any other month. Our family was enjoying the warm weather and spending time with friends and family. Unfortunately, May was the month that our world would change in a way we never expected.

During the week of July 17th, 2023, Yazmine hadn’t been herself.  She’d been running fevers on and off and wasn’t eating.  She had no energy and only wanted to sleep.  Then, on July 19th, her dad’s birthday, we decided that I would take her to the ER for a quick check up and be back in time to make a birthday dinner.  Little did we know everything would change on that day.