Westin was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in September 2024. His journey began after a bike collision with his older brother led to back and hip pain. What at first seemed like an injury turned into a much deeper concern. He was taken to the orthopedic doctor to rule out a fracture, which led to an MRI, visits with his pediatrician, lab work, and eventually a referral to the oncologist, where the diagnosis was confirmed.
Since being diagnosed, Westin has faced many limitations. He has not been able to swim or enjoy a real shower or bath because of his central line. He has also had to step away from school and avoid places with large crowds, as his risk of infection is high during treatment.
Westin has already undergone chemotherapy and immunotherapy. He will also face surgery, radiation therapy, more immunotherapy, and two years of oral medication. The treatments have been hard on him, but the separation caused by frequent hospital stays has been especially difficult for the whole family. They often spend one to two weeks each month in the hospital, which means long periods apart, something that is very hard on Westin and his siblings.
Family life has changed in many ways. Holidays with extended family are no longer possible, as everyone works to keep Westin safe from illness. He now does homeschooling and misses his friends, field trips, and playdates. Life looks very different, but his family continues to stay strong for him and one another.
Westin’s personality shines through even in the hardest moments. He is no-nonsense and loves figuring out how things work. He can often be found building or taking something apart to see what is inside. He has a big love for trucks and dirt and dreams of growing up to be an excavator like his dad. He also has a silly side and loves watching funny cat videos and making his siblings laugh.
McKay was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma on February 17 2014 when he was three years old. He relapsed seven years later, almost to the day, on February 13 2021 at age ten.
In the weeks leading up to his first diagnosis, McKay experienced leg pains, intermittent low-grade fevers, and unusual fatigue. The symptoms were subtle and not what you would immediately associate with cancer, but their persistence raised concern after about three weeks and led to the discovery of his illness.
After ten remarkable years of courage, McKay passed away on March 17 2024. During his original treatment he coped with the usual immune-system challenges and some high-frequency hearing loss from chemotherapy, yet he rarely let those hurdles slow him down. During his three years of relapse treatments he enjoyed long stretches of time when he could simply be a kid, but in the final six to twelve months his blood counts stayed low and he became more fragile, which kept him from the sports he loved. Even then he never stopped finding joy in what he could do.
McKay’s medical journey was extensive. His first round of treatment included five cycles of induction chemotherapy, a stem-cell harvest, a six-and-a-half-hour resection surgery, two rounds of high-dose chemotherapy followed by an autologous stem-cell transplant, fourteen rounds of radiation, five rounds of immunotherapy, and six rounds of cis-retinoic acid. He then spent two additional years on a study drug called DFMO to help keep the cancer in remission. After relapse he underwent twenty-eight rounds of combined chemo and immunotherapy, seven more rounds of chemotherapy, forty-six rounds of radiation, and four rounds of MIBG full-body radiation therapy that required isolation for days at a time. As his case grew more complex, the family traveled frequently to specialized hospitals, often separated across states, which added to the hardship.
The impact on McKay’s family has been profound. They miss him every single day, yet his example guides them to treasure the small things, to focus on what truly matters, and to live life to the fullest. They strive to “live for McKay,” carrying forward the strength and perspective he taught them.
McKay was a quiet yet spirited boy, just shy of his fourteenth birthday when he passed. He loved video games, especially Zelda on the Nintendo Switch, and was known for his playful sense of humor. At the hospital he sometimes seemed reserved, but those lucky enough to gain his trust discovered a witty prankster who loved to make people laugh. He shared a special bond with each of his three sisters and two brothers; they were all his favorites, and he was theirs.
Wise beyond his years, McKay faced the reality of his illness with grace and courage, especially during the last six months of his life. When he was first diagnosed at age three, he earned the nickname “Lightning McKay” for his devotion to Lightning McQueen. Years later, during his relapse, friends and family honored his love of the Zelda games by saying they would “Link Up for McKay.”
As his family now plans their first portraits since his passing, they hope to capture the love that continues to surround him, celebrating both the memories they hold and the unbreakable connection they share with their beloved son and brother.
Hadleigh was diagnosed with cancer on April 19, 2024. Leading up to her diagnosis, her family noticed a descended belly and that she was not taking in feeds.
Her treatment has included biopsies, line surgery, four rounds of chemotherapy, a stem cell harvest, and multiple unexpected hospital stays due to fevers and infections that followed treatment. The only limitation she faces right now is needing to stay in isolation for a week after each round of chemo.
This diagnosis has completely changed life for her family. Her mom has become her full-time caregiver and spends most of her time in the hospital with her. That has meant missing precious time with her husband and their three-year-old son, Austin. It is difficult being away from one another, and fun outings or travel are not possible right now, but they stay positive for both of their children.
Hadleigh is always happy, even in the middle of treatment. With her red hair and bright blue eyes, she lights up every room. Classic rock music soothes her, and she has a way of touching everyone she meets. The hospital staff has fallen in love with her and admire her strength and positivity. No matter what procedure she faces, she remains resilient and full of joy.
Xander was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on May 17, 2019, when he was just ten weeks old. Before the diagnosis, he had a bellybutton hernia and a swollen belly that doctors thought was just gas. His mom knew something was wrong because he absolutely hated tummy time, didn’t like being held over her shoulder, and would randomly cry out in pain.
Xander has some limitations due to his diagnosis, including high-pitched hearing loss and a slight speech delay.
He has been through many treatments and procedures, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy the first time he fought cancer. When the cancer returned, he underwent brain surgery, radiation, and more chemotherapy.
Being their eldest, Xander’s family missed out on many typical baby experiences. They wonder how different things might have been without cancer, especially since Xander has ADHD and they don’t know if it would have developed without the chemo and radiation treatments.
Xander is extremely outgoing and no one is a stranger to him. He loves people, is compassionate, thoughtful, and a great big brother. He enjoys all things boy, including Sonic, Mario, Marvel, playing outside, and going to the park and pool.
He is the strongest person his family knows. He has been through hell and back twice, and you wouldn’t know it just by how he interacts with the world.
Leonardo was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on Christmas Day 2024. There were no major warning signs leading up to his diagnosis. He just had a fever, which seemed ordinary at first.
Thankfully, Leonardo does not have any limitations because of his diagnosis. Since then, he has undergone chemotherapy and several surgeries. His family has found courage in their faith, love, and the knowledge and care of his doctors. They believe with God’s help and the power of love and medicine, Leonardo will be cured.
The diagnosis has changed their family life in ways that are hard to put into words. It has brought challenges, but also a deeper sense of togetherness and hope.
Leonardo is a joyful little boy who loves music and pretend play. He especially treasures time spent playing with his oldest sister, which always makes him feel special. His bright spirit and loving nature light up every room he enters.
Ripplen is five years old and has been bravely fighting high-risk neuroblastoma since just after his fourth birthday. He’s been in treatment for around 18 months and still has about two more years of care ahead of him.
His cancer journey began when his family noticed some concerning changes. He stopped eating, began experiencing severe back pain, and became increasingly fatigued and lethargic. These symptoms led to the heartbreaking diagnosis of neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.
Throughout his treatment, Ripplen has endured so much—chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, a bone marrow transplant, immunotherapy, and train chemo as part of the plan for remission. It’s been an incredibly difficult road, one that has reshaped every part of life for his family.
He also lives with autism and has a short attention span, which adds another layer of challenge to an already intense medical journey. But through it all, Ripplen’s sweet and silly spirit continues to shine. He has a big heart, a bright personality, and finds joy in the little things. He especially loves anything that flies and trains, and his laughter is the kind that can lift the spirits of everyone around him.
This journey has changed the way Ripplen’s family views the world. In the midst of so much uncertainty, they’ve learned to hold tightly to hope, to joy, and to the beautiful, everyday moments with their brave boy.
