Maxwell was diagnosed with cancer on July 18th. Before his diagnosis, he began experiencing constant and severe headaches.
Right now, his limitations from the brain tumor come mainly from the pain he experiences and the medication he needs to manage it.
In addition to cancer, Maxxwell also has Epstein’s anomaly and autism, and has already endured many medical procedures because of those conditions. As a single parent of five children, his mom has found it difficult to stay employed while also being present with Maxxwell at home. The greatest struggles for their family are managing his pain and the heavy financial burden that treatment brings.
His diagnosis has changed family life in many ways, especially with the need for his mom to be home often and focused on his care.
Maxwell is such a joy to everyone around him. He loves people and is deeply kind, loving, and present. He has a beautiful way of giving his full self to others. He loves to think and is especially interested right now in television, numbers, and Legos.
Despite being dealt some difficult challenges from birth, Maxwell meets each day with hope, joy, and courage. Even in the midst of pain, he continues to share the very best of his love and presence with those around him.
Case was diagnosed with DMG on November 15, 2024. A month before his diagnosis, he began holding his head down to the right, and a few months earlier he had experienced some double vision. When the clinic could not see him quickly, his family took him to the emergency room, where they began to uncover what was happening.
Since then, Case has faced extraordinary challenges. He is losing his ability to talk and his balance is affected. He has undergone brain and femur biopsies and has received radiation on his head, spine, arms, legs, and pelvis. More radiation to his head is scheduled. The road has been hard for both Case and his mom. His mother, a dental hygienist, has not worked since his diagnosis and drives an hour and a half each way to the American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Life has shifted completely. Case once loved school, self-defense class, time with friends, and staying active. Their pets are cared for by others and the family home feels different without the everyday bustle they once enjoyed.
Through it all, Case remains the most amazing son a parent could hope for. He has a heart of gold and is kind, thoughtful, loving, and funny. He is motivated and curious, loves learning and showing how smart he is, and finds joy in arts and crafts, video games, card games, and board games. He adores his two cats and dog and worries about friends and family with a deep sense of care. Case loves Jesus and his family, delights in traveling, discovering new places, and trying new foods, and dreams of visiting Japan one day. Music, dancing, and singing all bring him happiness. More than anything, he loves simply being a kid and being alive.
Case is incredibly strong and determined to fight this terminal cancer. He continues to persevere with grace, always trying to please God, himself, and the people he loves.
Macie was diagnosed with a brain tumor at eleven weeks old in December 2021. Since then, she has undergone two craniotomies and takes nightly oral chemotherapy.
Before her diagnosis, Macie would often look to the left side and experienced frequent vomiting. Her parents were told this was normal for babies, but it turned out to be an early sign of her condition.
Macie has some limitations due to her diagnosis. She has a lazy eye, needs to be on thickened liquids, and is still learning to express herself fully. She also wears glasses and has a G-tube to support her nutrition.
Macie has a strong spirit and a sweet personality. She loves Elmo, singing, snacking, swimming at the park, and exploring her world in her own joyful way. Despite all she has been through, she brings laughter and light to everyone around her.
Her family says it is hard to see her face challenges at such a young age, but they are proud of her bravery and resilience every single day.
Briggs was diagnosed with cancer shortly after his first birthday. In April he turned one, and just two months later his family received the life-changing news that he had a very large brain tumor.
Briggs had always been under close observation by his pediatrician due to his head measuring slightly larger than average. Other than that, he had no symptoms. During what was supposed to be a routine head ultrasound, doctors discovered the tumor. He was rushed into surgery the very next day. Since that time, Briggs has undergone two brain surgeries and is currently on medication to help prevent the tumor from growing back.
His journey has involved many medical procedures, including multiple surgeries and countless MRIs and lab draws. He visits the doctor every other month for labs and checkups and receives MRIs every four months. He has been taking oral medication twice a day for nearly two years. This November, his medical team will begin weaning him off to see how his body responds.
The impact on his family has been significant. The many appointments and follow-ups have required time away from work, resulting in financial strain and added stress. Briggs’ diagnosis has shifted the family’s focus entirely to his care and wellbeing, often leaving little time for anything else.
Through it all, Briggs remains a joyful and spirited little boy. He is sweet, busy, and full of life. He loves Paw Patrol, cars, and playing outside. He adores spending time with Grandma and Papa’s puppy and is a free spirit with a little boss energy. He’s a mama’s boy at heart, but he loves his dad too.
Briggs’ strength and playful personality shine even through the hardest days. His journey is one of hope, courage, and the fierce love of a family determined to see him thrive.
Gustavo was diagnosed with cancer on February 10, 2025. His journey began when he was rushed to the emergency room after experiencing severe headaches and vomiting. What started as a search for answers led to a life-altering diagnosis that has deeply impacted his entire family.
Since his diagnosis, Gustavo has undergone both chemotherapy and radiation. As a result of his treatments, he has experienced significant weakness on his left side and now uses a wheelchair. Caring for him has become a full-time responsibility, and his parent had to leave their job to be by his side. The financial and emotional strain has been difficult, and the challenges have been made even harder by Gustavo’s struggles with depression as he processes everything he’s been through.
Despite the obstacles, Gustavo continues to find moments of joy. He loves watching SpongeBob and spending time playing board games with his family. Those simple moments of laughter and connection are a bright spot during a difficult time.
Gustavo’s journey is one of resilience. His story is a reminder of the strength it takes to keep going, even when life looks very different than expected. He is deeply loved, and his family continues to surround him with encouragement and support as he bravely moves forward.
Theo’s cancer journey began in 2018, and after several years of bravery and strength, his family received heartbreaking news in November 2024: a relapse. The signs came on suddenly—swelling around his eye led to an expedited MRI, which confirmed that the cancer had returned.
Since then, life has shifted dramatically once again. Theo recently underwent surgery to place a new port and has resumed weekly chemotherapy treatments. These treatments are intense, not just physically, but emotionally too. They mean time away from school, from friends, and from the daily routines he enjoys. His port and the demanding chemo schedule have created limitations, but they haven’t dimmed his light.
Theo is brilliant and driven—he’s already taking high school classes and dreams big about the future. He’s got a sharp sense of humor, a love for all things tech, and finds comfort in time spent on his PC. He’s the kind of kid who amazes you not just with his resilience, but with his heart and wit.
This relapse has deeply impacted the family. His parent stepped away from work to be by his side, to advocate, to hope, and to hold on through each twist and turn in treatment.
For Theo’s next photo session, the hope is to capture something real and raw—a moment during or just before chemotherapy, right there in the hospital. It’s not about posed smiles or perfect lighting; it’s about honoring this chapter of his journey with authenticity. A few quiet, powerful images to remember the strength in the fight and the beauty in the in-between moments.
