Micah’s cancer journey began the week of Christmas—a time usually filled with joy and family traditions. But instead of unwrapping gifts or baking cookies, his family found themselves in the emergency room, blindsided by news that would change their lives forever. What they thought was appendicitis turned out to be a large tumor, along with nodules in his lungs. That Christmas was missed completely, and as the one-year mark approaches, this season feels deeply different.
Before his diagnosis, Micah was full of energy with no signs that anything was wrong. Since then, he’s been through an unimaginably tough road—seven rounds of the most intense chemotherapy on his floor at St. Jude, followed by eight months of a daily, highly toxic treatment. Alongside that, his family has pursued integrative therapies to support his healing.
Micah and his mom were separated from the rest of the family for over 100 days during treatment. The impact of his diagnosis has been both heartbreaking and life-shifting. They’re still working through anxiety and PTSD, but also learning to find beauty in the chaos. Cancer has taught them to be present, to laugh louder, to hold each other closer, and to see God’s blessings in even the smallest things.
Micah is truly one-of-a-kind. He’s witty, adorable, and endlessly brave. He charms everyone he meets and is wise beyond his years. His strength, courage, and smile make it hard to believe that just a year ago, doctors gave him only a 10% chance of survival.
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.
Watson was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 2 months old, back in 2017. What began as a routine well-check turned into something life-changing when his doctor noticed his liver was enlarged. An ultrasound soon revealed a mass between his liver and kidney, and Watson was quickly admitted to Texas Children’s Hospital—where he would spend the next year of his life undergoing chemotherapy and having the tumor removed.
That year was full of unimaginable challenges for Watson and his family. On top of his cancer diagnosis and treatment, Watson tragically lost his father within a month. The combination of grief, fear, and the upheaval of everyday life brought a level of hardship that no family should have to endure. One of the lasting effects of Watson’s treatment has been hearing loss in his right ear—an unfortunate but known side effect of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin.
Cancer didn’t just affect Watson—it changed his whole family. They faced financial struggles, weathered the loss of their home in a hurricane, and pushed through every obstacle with faith and resilience. Their journey is a testament to strength and survival. What was once a test has become a testimony, as they now give back to others walking through similar battles by volunteering with cancer organizations.
Today, Watson is thriving. He’s a vibrant, social kid who loves sports, being outside, dancing, and going to church. He has a big personality and an even bigger heart, especially when he’s spending time with the people he loves most—his family. His journey is one of heartache and healing, and through it all, Watson continues to shine with joy, faith, and that one-of-a-kind smile that lights up every room.
Nolan was diagnosed with ATRT (Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor) on January 27, 2025. It all started with early morning nausea and vomiting—subtle symptoms that led to an unimaginable discovery. Since his diagnosis, Nolan has already undergone chemotherapy, and surgery is the next step in his treatment journey.
This diagnosis has completely reshaped life for his family. They now live between home and the hospital, making difficult sacrifices, including time away from Nolan’s two older siblings who stay with extended family. Outings, public activities, and anything that once felt “normal” have taken a backseat to this fight for Nolan’s health.
Despite everything he’s facing, Nolan continues to shine. He’s an energetic, silly little guy who lights up with joy when he’s tossing around a play ball or watching anything Spider-Man. His bravery and strength have been nothing short of incredible—he’s faced everything with the kind of resilience that leaves you in awe.
His family calls him their brave, strong baby—and if you’ve met Nolan, you’d know exactly why.
Three-year-old Emelia was diagnosed with stage three Wilms Tumor—a rare kidney cancer—in 2023. Her journey began with what seemed like a simple stomachache one night, but it quickly turned into something much more serious. Today, Emelia is in maintenance treatment and under close observation due to a rare genetic mutation that increases her risk of relapse.
Over the past year, Emelia has endured chemotherapy, radiation, the removal of a kidney, and even major oral surgery. It’s been an incredibly difficult journey for her and her family. Life has changed in countless ways—there was a time that felt unbearably dark—but it’s also brought a new perspective. As her mom says, it’s made them more grateful for the good moments and the people they have around them. Emelia and her sister have grown closer than ever, becoming best friends through the storm, though the anxiety of everything they’ve faced still lingers.
But if you meet Emelia, you’d never guess the battles she’s fought. She’s pure sunshine and sparkle—an energetic, pink-loving, sugar-obsessed diva with a fierce personality and a heart full of joy. She adores makeup, Minnie Mouse, and dancing, and she makes a lasting impression wherever she goes. The doctors say her spunky spirit played a huge role in her strength, and her family affectionately calls her their “hot mess express” and the real-life Buddy the Elf. Her laughter is contagious, her resilience is inspiring, and her presence truly lights up a room.
Ava was diagnosed with leukemia in August 2023. In the weeks leading up to her diagnosis, she was unusually fatigued, developed unexplained bruising, and didn’t want to walk—symptoms that quickly became serious indicators of something much bigger.
Since then, Ava has been undergoing chemotherapy. Unfortunately, her journey has come with added complications: a recent biopsy revealed a clone that could make her resistant to treatment, along with abnormalities in her myeloid cells. Another biopsy is underway to reassess her condition, and her care team is awaiting results from a specialized myeloid panel to determine the next steps.
Ava’s diagnosis has reshaped life for her entire family. Social events and vacations have been put on hold to protect her from illness, and collision activities like soccer or gym are off-limits due to dangerously low platelet counts. Like many families walking this road, they’ve also faced mental health challenges and now rely on therapy and psychiatry to help navigate the emotional toll.
But despite it all, Ava is such a bright, imaginative, and loving child. She lights up at the chance to do crafts or dive into pretend play. She adores helping with her baby sister and is currently obsessed with dinosaurs. Her gentle, curious spirit shines through even during the hardest moments.
Her family wants others to know how important the bone marrow registry is—not only for Ava but for countless kids like her. Signing up could truly save a life.
