Three years ago, Kristen heard the words no parent ever expects. Her young son, William, was diagnosed with cancer. In an instant, her world shifted. The certainty of ordinary days—school runs, playdates, and bedtime routines—was replaced by hospital visits, treatments, and the terrifying unknown of childhood cancer.
Then came the moment that changed everything.
Doctors confirmed the diagnosis, and Kristen’s life became a blur of medical jargon, treatment schedules, and sleepless nights spent at her son’s bedside. It wasn’t just the illness that weighed on them; it was the fear, the isolation, and the overwhelming sense of walking into a battle they never prepared for.
Minutes passed. And then—something no one expected.
Thanks to the support of Redkite, Kristen and William’s family weren’t alone. They were given access to vital resources: practical assistance that made daily life manageable, emotional support that gave Kristen someone to lean on, and financial relief that meant she could focus on being there for William rather than worrying about bills.
It was as if a hand reached out in the darkness and reminded them they didn’t have to walk the journey alone.
William faced his treatments with a bravery that belied his young age. Needles, hospital beds, and harsh medications became part of his childhood. But through it all, he smiled. He played. He loved. Cancer tried to take away his childhood, but William and his family fought to hold onto it.
There were hard days—days when fatigue, fear, and frustration almost broke them. Yet there were also moments of hope. Small victories, like finishing a round of treatment or seeing William’s energy return, became cause for celebration. Each step forward was a reminder that the fight wasn’t in vain.
And then, after years of struggle, came a milestone they had dreamed of: William finished treatment.
The relief was overwhelming. For Kristen, it wasn’t just about her son’s health—it was about reclaiming their lives. She could finally breathe again, finally believe in the possibility of a future free from the constant shadow of cancer.
But Kristen knew their story didn’t end there.
Having felt firsthand the difference support makes, she decided to pay it forward. This year, she is taking part in the Heartbreak to Hope Walk, raising funds to ensure other families facing childhood cancer receive the same lifeline that once held her up.
“It’s my way of giving back,” Kristen explained. “When we needed help the most, Redkite was there. Now it’s my turn to help give that hope to someone else.”
Her journey, once defined by heartbreak, has become a testament to resilience and gratitude. It’s proof that even in the darkest chapters, hope can take root and grow—and when shared, it can light the path for others.
William’s story is not just about surviving cancer. It’s about a family discovering strength they didn’t know they had. It’s about community, compassion, and the unshakable belief that no one should face childhood cancer alone.
And as Kristen walks, step by step, she carries with her not just her own family’s story, but the stories of countless others who will one day find hope in the help she now gives.