Kayden C
There are moments in life that divide everything into before and after. The day we heard the words, "You have cancer," was one of those moments. I was six months pregnant, preparing to welcome my baby into the world, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In an instant, the joy of pregnancy became filled with fear, uncertainty, and countless questions.
Despite everything, I held onto hope. As we welcomed Kayden into this world we then found out that our beautiful baby boy, was born with Down syndrome. In the midst of all that I began my cancer journey and treatments. In November 2025, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy. It was one of the hardest things I have ever faced, but I kept reminding myself that I had to keep fighting—for myself, my husband, Kayden and his older brother Jayce.
Just months later, our world was shattered once again.
Our precious baby boy, who was only 15 months old at the time, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After everything we had already been through, hearing that our child also had cancer felt unimaginable. No parent is ever prepared for those words.
Kayden now faces six to eight months of intensive chemotherapy treatments in the hospital. Between the long hospital stays, countless appointments, medications, and the uncertainty that comes with childhood cancer, our lives have been completely turned upside down. Along with the emotional and physical challenges, the financial burden has been overwhelming. Taking time away from work, and everyday bills have created stresses we never imagined, making an already heartbreaking journey even more difficult. Some of the most difficult decisions were deciding to either go to work and pay bills or to stay at bedside supporting our baby.
There are days filled with tears, exhaustion, and fear of the unknown. But there are also moments of incredible strength, unwavering faith, and overwhelming love. Kayden has taught us more about courage than we ever thought possible. His smile shines even on the darkest days, reminding us that hope is stronger than fear.
This journey has changed us forever. It has shown us the true meaning of resilience, the power of community, and the blessings that come from people who choose to stand beside our family during the hardest moments. Every prayer, every act of kindness, and every bit of support has helped carry us through a season that has tested us in every possible way.
We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we do know this: we will continue to fight, together as a family. One day at a time. One treatment at a time. One prayer at a time.
Cancer is part of our story, but it will never be the whole story. Our story is one of love, faith, perseverance, and the incredible strength of a little boy named Kayden, who inspires us every single day.