On April 6, 2021, we heard the words no parent ever expects: “We think it’s leukemia.” That day, as I watched my three-year-old son, Henry, bouncing joyfully on a neighbor’s trampoline under the warm spring sun, my heart asked one overwhelming question: Why him? Up until that moment, Henry had been a happy, healthy toddler, full of life and energy. But with tears in our eyes and a heavy heart, we drove away from our home, leaving behind our 18-month-old baby, Charlie, to rush Henry to UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital—the only place we knew could save his life.
Henry spent the next 27 days in the hospital, receiving toxic yet life-saving chemotherapy to halt the cancer. By day 28, he had achieved remission—a critical milestone. However, remission was only the beginning of a long, grueling 2.5-year journey.

Henry faced weekly hospital visits for chemo infusions, countless lumbar punctures, blood transfusions, daily chemotherapy pills, and more. His treatment wasn’t just physically challenging—it reshaped our family’s life. Yet, through it all, Henry’s joyful spirit, lovingly nicknamed “The Big Happy,” remained resilient and inspiring.

A pivotal moment in his treatment came when we were offered the chance to participate in the Blinatumomab clinical trial. This immunotherapy drug gave us hope that Henry’s treatment could be not only lifesaving for him but also a step toward better, less invasive options for other children battling cancer. Over the course of two years, Henry was connected to a portable IV pump 24/7 during two 28-day cycles, enduring the logistical and physical challenges of the trial. Despite the hardships, we are proud to share that the trial has now been approved for use, meaning Henry’s fight helped pave the way for progress in pediatric cancer care.

In June 2023, Henry proudly rang the bell, signaling the end of his treatment. Yet, the end of treatment doesn’t mean the end of challenges. The financial burden of years of medical care remains heavy, and survivorship brings new hurdles as Henry’s body and mind continue to recover from the toll of treatment. His immune system remains fragile, and we navigate the long-term effects on his growth and development.

Being included in your Adopt-a-Family program during the holiday season has touched us more deeply than we can fully express. The Littlest Heroes is more than just an organization to us—you are a beacon of hope and kindness in a world that often feels overwhelming and isolating for families like ours. Your generosity and commitment to easing the burdens of families facing pediatric cancer are a gift beyond measure. Knowing that there are people like you who work to continue to provide support, care, and compassion restores our reminds us that we are not alone in this journey, even years after others move on.

Your support during the holidays allows us to focus on what truly matters: spending time together as a family and embracing the joy and magic of the holiday season. Henry and Charlie light up at the smallest moments of celebration, and your kindness helps make those moments possible.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our story and for lifting our family up with your generosity. We are so grateful to be part of the incredible community you’ve built.