My name is Amanda Burgess, and I am the aunt to a wonderful young man named Kane Griffin. As many of you know, on November 8th, Kane’s life was turned upside down. What began as a trip to a walk-in clinic for trouble breathing soon became everyone's worst nightmare. Within 12 hours of this visit, Kane was at UAMS in the ICU, placed on full life support and fighting for his life. His family soon learned he had a large mediastinal tumor in his chest, and he was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Kane spent five weeks in the hospital, four of which were in the ICU. During his time in the ICU, he endured a tracheostomy, ventilator support, ECMO support, dialysis, chest tubes, and multiple chemotherapy treatments. After 34 days in the hospital, he was finally discharged home — miraculously without any tubes or machines. While this was a huge victory, the journey is far from over. As obstacles still arise and treatments continue forward, Kane will be walking through an ongoing battle to overcome this.

Throughout all of this, Kane’s parents, Lindsay and Kyle, have been by his side without hesitation. They have shown up for Kane in ways that most will never see or know. I have witnessed firsthand the continual, unconditional love that they have for their son and their family, and it's left me speechless. Because of the events that have transpired and the continued battles to come, the financial strain is something that will be unavoidable. In a time where I would love to do anything to change this situation, I am helpless in doing so. But one thing I can do is try and help lessen outside stressors. My hope for this fundraiser is that the Griffin family can see and feel how loved and supported they are. My hope is that in incredibly dark times, community, generosity, and kindness can still shine through the dark.

If many people give a little, the result can be big. What could be a little dent in each person’s pocket can become a life-changing gift for one family going through a medical crisis. Your support would help relieve the financial burden so this precious family can focus on what matters most: Kane.

Please consider donating if you’re able. If nothing else, I ask that you will please share this fundraiser so that it can reach as many people as possible. Every gesture — big or small — makes a difference. And most importantly, whether you are able to donate or not, please keep Kane and his family in your thoughts and prayers. The more we can share his story, the more we know he is being prayed for and held up by others.

From the bottom of our families’ hearts, we cannot thank you enough for standing with Kane and the Griffin family, in whatever capacity you can and are able.