The Unsung Heroes

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….

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.

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.