I am writing this on behalf of one of my dearest friends and her incredible son, Lincoln.

Anyone who knows Lincoln knows just how special he is. He is kind, funny, strong, and full of life. He’s the kid who lights up every room, always making others smile, cheering on his teammates, and giving his whole heart to the sports he loves most.

Lincoln is an incredibly talented hockey goalie for the Smiths Falls Bears and a passionate soccer player. Sports are not just hobbies to him — they are his entire world. The ice, the field, his teammates — this is where Lincoln feels happiest, strongest, and most himself.

Recently, this beautiful family received devastating news that Lincoln has been diagnosed with Chiari 1 malformation, a serious neurological condition causing debilitating headaches, dizziness, and overwhelming lethargy. After consultations with his medical team, they were informed that Lincoln will require brain surgery.

In preparation for surgery, his doctors have told him he must stop playing both hockey and soccer immediately until after surgery and recovery. For a boy whose life revolves around sports, this has been absolutely heartbreaking.

One of the hardest parts of this journey has been the emotional devastation Lincoln faces every single day. Not only is he battling painful physical symptoms, but hearing his friends and teammates talk excitedly about spring hockey, upcoming games, tournaments, and everything he should be a part of has been incredibly painful. As the goalie for the Smiths Falls Bears, hockey is such a huge part of who he is, and knowing he cannot join his team, be on the ice, or do what he loves most has left him absolutely heartbroken. Watching life continue around him while he is forced to step away from the sport that brings him so much joy has been unimaginably difficult for such a young boy.

Despite the debilitating symptoms, emotional heartbreak, fear, and uncertainty, Lincoln continues to show incredible bravery, strength, and resilience every single day.

As his mother’s best friend, it is heartbreaking to watch someone I love so deeply carry such an enormous burden. Lincoln’s mom is a devoted single mother of two who is doing everything she can to stay strong for her children while facing every parent’s worst nightmare. Between specialist appointments, hospital visits, travel expenses, missed work, and the demands of caring for Lincoln through surgery and recovery, the financial and emotional weight is overwhelming.

I am asking, from the bottom of my heart, for support for this amazing family during the most difficult time of their lives.

Your donations will help with:

• Medical and surgery-related expenses
• Travel and accommodations for appointments and treatments
• Recovery and rehabilitation needs
• Household expenses and lost income while Lincoln’s mom cares for him full-time

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing Lincoln’s story and keeping him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Lincoln is one of the bravest young boys I know. He deserves the chance to heal, recover, and return to the ice, the soccer field, his teammates, and the life he loves so much.

Please help us rally around Lincoln and his family as they face this unimaginable journey. Every donation, prayer, and share means more than words can express.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.

With love and gratitude,
A Best Friend Who Loves This Family Deeply