Hello Jacksboro, surrounding communities, and all who feel led to help support the family of Aiden Mercer. My name is Mikey McBride and I have been friends with Aiden’s mom, Holly, since elementary school. Aiden had a fall this week that resulted in him getting an MRI out of precaution. He is doing okay and is under great care at Cook’s Children’s Hospital.

However, the MRI revealed dreadful news that no parent ever wants to hear. There were several different masses found on his brain. Yet, they were soon given the best possible news in the situation, which is no tumors, or cancers.

Aiden has a genetic disorder called cavernous malformations. “Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are groups of tightly packed, abnormal small blood vessels with thin walls. They may be present in the brain or spinal cord. The vessels contain slow-moving blood that's usually clotted. CCMs, which look like a small mulberry, can create problems in the brain or spinal cord due to leaking of blood in some people” (MayoClinic).

This diagnosis is not treatable, but symptoms can be managed. As of right now Aiden does have a brain bleed. One of the masses is very large and will need to be operated on. Aiden’s mother is unsure when this will occur. Nonetheless, she for sure knows that the bleeding and swelling have to subside in order for them to operate.

Aiden's life will be very different for a while because of the swelling in his brain. He will need to take medication for the rest of his life and will not be able to participate in some childhood activities, such as contact sports.

Aiden and Holly will be staying at Cook’s for an extended period. His father Brandon is able to take leave from work for a week but then will have to resume into normal life duties. The doctors have said they do not have an estimate as to how long everything will take and that they are on Aiden's time. He has to be watched for seizures and to make sure the swelling is going down. For now they do not have any more information about the length of his recovery and when surgery will occur.

This is going to be an extremely hard time for this family, emotionally and financially. Holly has an older daughter that she is not able to be with during this time. There will be much driving back and forth from Fort Worth to Jacksboro for Aiden’s father.

It is unknown whether Aiden’s insurance will cover needed meds, etc. There will, understandably, be many missed days of work, and as we all know, life goes on. Bills will still need to be paid, and the family still needs to be fed.

I ask more than anything that as a community and friends of this family we come together in prayer for this adorable child. Though, if you are able and willing, financial help would be greatly appreciated during this time.

Thank you,

Mikey!