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.

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.

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Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Pedro

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.

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Meet Keaton’s Kiddo – Gianna

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.

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