With hope-filled hearts, we humbly reach out to you for support and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time. Our dear Hawthorn Pearson, a bright and beautiful soul just 4 years old, is bravely battling for his life with the help of the incredible team at Oakland Children’s Hospital.

Only a week ago, Hawthorn's world—and that of his family and devoted mother, Lotus—was turned upside down. On Monday, after blood tests came back revealing his hemoglobin levels had fallen dangerously low, Lotus received a call that she needed to rush her son to the ER for an emergency blood transfusion. Once Hawthorn was stabilized, the doctors in Eureka, Ca insisted they immediately transfer to Oakland for further care and testing. Since that harrowing night Hawthorn and Lotus have been confined to the immunocompromised unit in OCH, where tests confirmed Friday what no parent should ever have to hear—that he has advanced neuroblastoma, an aggressive and rare cancer that affects only about 900 children in the U.S. each year.

In Hawthorn’s case, the cancer has enveloped his left adrenal gland and spread rapidly into his lymphatic system. Yet amid the heartbreak, there was a glimmer of hope—his bone marrow test came back negative, a small but significant victory on this arduous journey. Just days ago, on October 19th, Hawthorn underwent a successful procedure to implant a port, allowing him to begin his first intensive round of chemotherapy.

The road ahead will be long and challenging for Hawthorn and his family, as they navigate a complex treatment plan designed by his dedicated team of specialists. Yet we hold onto the faith that this brave little warrior will overcome these trials and emerge stronger than ever.

As they face this daunting year long treatment plan, Lotus and Hawthorn will need to stay close to a hospital for ongoing treatment. This entails moving from their remote country home to be closer to medical services and resources. Lotus has been extensively trained and counseled to care for him while he is in a fragile immunocompromised condition. She needs help covering living expenses, traveling to Oakland monthly for extended hospital stays, and ensuring that Hawthorn has access to nourishing food and any other necessary care.

We are calling on our community to rally together for this precious boy and his family. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference in easing their burdens and allowing them to focus on the fight ahead. Your support, in any form, is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for being part of Hawthorn’s journey of healing and hope. We will continue to share news all on his progress as we receive it.