Kai is the sweetest soul. He genuinely loves helping others and we often joke that he is a professional big brother. He’s the second oldest of our 4 children. When we are near other children he goes out of his way to assist the younger kids and makes everyone feel welcome and loved. He loves dressing in costumes and wore different character pajamas to his chemotherapy appointments. He also loves all things Disney, Lego, and spending time at the beach/in the ocean. After taking a break during chemotherapy he is happily back to his jiu-jitsu training and is working towards his grey/white belt.
Kai was diagnosed with a brain tumor – Thalamic Glioma – when he was 2 years old. He had a CT scan after falling and hitting his head, and that’s when the tumor was discovered.
Kai has completed a year of chemotherapy. He endured pokes, surgeries, infusions, and MRIs. His father drove him weekly to his infusions and appointments, over 2 hours each way. A few months into his chemotherapy protocol I (his mother) was also diagnosed with cancer. A large tumor was discovered near my heart. Primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma was my official diagnosis. Having 2 family members going through chemotherapy, mid-pandemic, was difficult, to say the least. We both completed our treatments in the fall of 2021 and I’m thrilled to report Kai’s tumor is stable and I am currently in remission.
Kai is steadily regaining his strength and endurance. His brain tumor is centrally located in his brain and is considered inoperable. He will be carefully monitored by MRI every 3 months. Medical trauma and anxiety is likely something he will always have to live with.
Kai’s diagnosis was so early on in his life that it’s become something we have almost always had to live with. It’s been difficult but also given us all a perspective of gratefulness. We know tomorrow is not promised and are grateful for every day God grants us to be together.
We are just so proud of Kai. He hasn’t let his struggles define him. He instead shows incredible kindness and love to all.
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