Hello everyone, our names are Eliana and Sabina Dell’Acqua, and we are reaching out on behalf of our sweet, funny, and courageous 7-year-old godson, Brayden de Castro, and our dearest friends, Mike and Tara de Castro. On June 19th, 2025, Mike, Tara, Jadyss, Brayden, and Norah’s world was turned upside down when Brayden was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia. This is a rare and devastating blood disease in which his bone marrow has suddenly failed and stopped producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, all of which he needs to survive. Without treatment, a simple cold, cut, small bruise, or nosebleed could become life-threatening. Brayden is now in a fight for his life and will require a bone marrow transplant.

This diagnosis came completely out of nowhere and has changed everything for their family in the blink of an eye. Severe Aplastic Anemia requires months of hospitalization, regular blood and platelet transfusions, daily medications to prevent infections, painful procedures, complete immune system suppression through conditioning, chemotherapy, radiation, and a long, uncertain journey of ongoing treatment. Brayden can no longer ride his bike, play sports, go swimming, or be near his friends and family. His childhood has been put on hold as he prepares to endure what no seven year old child should ever have to face. He has now earned the nickname “Bray the Brave” as he truly has become a little superhero.

As you can imagine, Mike and Tara are doing everything they can to hold their family together and to keep things feeling as normal as possible for Brayden, Jadyss, and Norah, even though nothing feels normal anymore. Their life is now a series of hospital stays, and endless hours spent away from their home and loved ones.

Tara has taken leave from her job to care for Brayden full-time while also caring for Jadyss and Norah at home in quarantine, as Brayden is severely immunocompromised. Their family now lives in isolation, under immense stress, facing sleepless nights, and the constant fear of what each new day may bring. This is every parents' and family’s worst nightmare.

So, on their behalf, we are reaching out to help this amazing family in need. We have set a goal of $30,000 based on anticipated costs over the coming months. Every donation, no matter the size, is a lifeline that helps them focus on what matters most which is getting Brayden through this fight and back to being the energetic, charismatic, hilarious, loving, and amazing kid he has always been.

We also welcome shares, prayers, and positive thoughts as we raise awareness about the vital importance of donating blood and stem cells. For children like Brayden, these donations are lifesaving and crucial for bone marrow transplants and ongoing treatment. By spreading the word and encouraging others to register as donors, we can help give hope to families fighting this disease and save lives. Please visit www.blood.ca to learn how to donate blood or register for the stem cell donor program.

Thank you for being part of their village during this difficult time. In order to relieve some of their stress with the multitude of messages they are receiving, we will be updating Brayden’s journey here on this page, as well as starting a Facebook group to update family, friends, and supporters.

The family would also like to thank the incredible pediatric hematology/oncology team, BMT team, pediatric anesthesia team, nurses, child life specialists, clinic administrators, counsellors, and everyone who has provided Brayden with the absolute best care and support. We are so grateful he is in such skilled, dedicated, and loving hands.

On behalf of Mike and Tara, we want to express their deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your outpouring of love, support, and prayers. Your kindness means the world to them and their family during this difficult time.

Where Your Support Will Go:

Diagnosis, treatment, and recovery (not including complications or setbacks) can span 6–10 months, with 12–24 months for full immune recovery.

Your donations will help cover the ongoing list of challenges, which include:

• Transportation and parking for hospital visits

• Meals and accommodations near the hospital and at home

• Medical and pharmacy costs not covered by insurance

• Loss of income due to Tara’s work leave

• Post-transplant recovery needs (PPE, specialized cleaning, home equipment)

• Mental health and counseling support

This fund will also be used to support the incredible organizations that provide care and resources to kids like Brayden and make life more fun and manageable during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. These organizations include CancerCare Manitoba, The Dream Factory, and Candlelighters.