Ringing the Bell for Elias!
The room was overflowing with love, cheers, joy, and a community that has stood beside Elias and his family every step of the way. Every smile, every clap, every tear reflected just how deeply he is supported and loved.
Jesus Learns to Walk Again
Before cancer, Jesus was always on the move-playing basketball, dancing, painting, doing puzzles, and bringing joy to everyone around him.
After overcoming three open heart surgeries by age 13 and navigating Down syndrome, Jesus was diagnosed with leukemia at just 16. Treatment has been long and exhausting. Months in the hospital… countless transfusions… and at one point, he even had to relearn how to walk.
A Mother’s Perspective
“The bell was loud, clear, and powerful – but the journey to earn those three rings was even louder. Hearing it echo through the halls was overwhelming… tears, relief, gratitude, and the deep ache of everything it took to reach this moment. We weren’t just hearing a bell – we were feeling every second, every battle, every ounce of courage it represented.
He didn’t just ring the bell. He rang in victory.”
~ Sarah, Mother of Charlie, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia B-Cell Warrior
Milagros Rings the Bell!
A moment this family has waited for more than 2.5 years: Milagros, a true warrior filled with courage and light, officially rang the bell to mark the end of her treatment. The room was filled with joy, tears, pride, and so much love as her family, care team, and our Keaton’s staff gathered around her for this unforgettable milestone.
Meet Keaton’s Kiddo Isa
On August 2, 2022, at just 3 years old, Isa was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). In the weeks leading up to his diagnosis, his mom noticed that something wasn’t quite right. After several ER visits, doctors finally ordered bloodwork, and Isa’s cancer journey began.
Meet Keaton’s Kiddo Nathan
Nathan’s journey began in June 2023 when his family received the devastating news that he had been diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer. It started with severe headaches and vomiting, which quickly led to brain surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy that lasted nearly a year. It was an incredibly tough season, but also one filled with unexpected blessings and miracles.
Meet Keaton’s Kiddo Milagros
When Milagros was just 5 years old, her family’s life changed forever. In August of 2023, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the most common type of childhood cancer. For Milagros family, the diagnosis came at an especially difficult time. They had recently moved to the U.S. from Mexico, still adjusting to a new language, navigating housing challenges, and finding their footing in a new community.
Meet Keaton’s Kiddo Emily
In honor of Brain Cancer Awareness Month, we’d like to introduce you to Keaton’s Kiddo Emily, a remarkable young fighter who has been part of our Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance family since 2018. “Our journey began in Aug 2018, Emily our 8-year-old was waking up everyday with headaches and throwing up in the morning. After a CT Scan, we were told a MRI was needed as they saw a mass in her brain. Worse fear ever is hearing they found a mass, and you would need to be admitted….
Honoring Joy on National Down Syndrome Day
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.