Imagine being 18 years old—healthy, athletic, full of dreams—ready to start college and the next chapter of life. That was Hayden’s reality until, out of nowhere, everything changed.

On move-in day, his mom couldn’t reach him. Call after call went unanswered until finally his new roommate picked up and said the unthinkable: Hayden was having seizures. What started with one seizure quickly became another, and another, and another.

Now imagine being 18, and in a single moment your college dreams, your athletic ability, your freedom to hang out with friends, drive anywhere, or even be left alone for 10 minutes—are all ripped away from you. That’s what epilepsy has done to Hayden’s life.

That day was the beginning of a journey filled with hospitals, bloodwork, countless tests, and near-constant fear. Hayden has narrowly survived multiple falls, head injuries, and even kidney failure. His mom has been by his side every step of the way, only able to work part-time because of his frequent medical crises.

At just 18, Hayden was diagnosed with epilepsy. But his case is not typical. After nearly every seizure, his body goes into rhabdomyolysis—a condition where his muscles break down and release toxins into the blood, which then causes acute kidney failure. His seizures are also medication-resistant, making treatment incredibly difficult.

During an episode, Hayden suffers an average of 10–12 grand mal seizures in 24 hours. Each time, his vital signs drop to dangerously low levels. Doctors have warned that if this continues, Hayden is at serious risk of losing his kidneys or even his life.

After years of testing and treatment, Hayden’s medical team now believes surgery may be his best hope. They suspect his seizures begin deep in the left frontal lobe, near the hippocampus—the part of the brain that controls speech, memory, and language. Because brain surgery is so risky, the team must be absolutely certain.

On October 1st, Hayden will undergo a procedure called SEEG (stereoelectroencephalography). Surgeons will place 15–20 probes deep into his brain to monitor seizure activity. He will remain in the hospital until at least four seizures are recorded, which means a stay of 15–30 days—possibly longer.

This has been a long, painful, and uncertain road for Hayden and his family. The emotional and financial toll has been enormous. Between hospital stays, travel, and his mom being unable to work full-time, the expenses are overwhelming.

We are asking for your support to help relieve the financial burden on Hayden’s family during this critical time. Every donation—no matter the size—makes a difference. If you can’t give, please share Hayden’s story and keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Please help us give Hayden a fighting chance.

“As a mom, all I want is to give my son the chance at the future he deserves.”