Help Little Gael Fight a Rare and Aggressive Leukemia

Help Little Gael Fight a Rare and Aggressive Leukemia Mutation

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind-Hearted Strangers,

We are reaching out with heavy hearts and urgent hope for my sweet 5-year-old cousin, Gael — a bright, loving boy who is fighting the toughest battle of his young life: a rare and aggressive form of leukemia.

A Shocking Diagnosis Far From Home

In August 2023, Gael was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, type B, while living abroad with his parents and little sister. His family had built a beautiful life — both parents owned successful businesses and were deeply rooted in their community.

When treatments in their home country stopped working, doctors there urgently recommended he be treated at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco. Within days, Gael’s parents sold everything, closed their businesses, and took a leap of faith — catching the next flight to the U.S. with nothing but hope and the clothes on their backs.

A Rare Mutation and a Painful Journey

At UCSF, doctors discovered a rare genetic mutation — TP53 — which has made Gael’s leukemia especially resistant to treatment. Despite trying the promising immunotherapy Blinatumomab in 2024, Gael fell into the small percentage for whom the treatment doesn’t work.

His medical team, alongside his devoted parents, have searched tirelessly — contacting cancer centers across the country in hopes of finding a trial or new treatment. But so far, there are no options available for children with Gael’s specific mutation.

A Little Body, Weary But Brave

For nearly two years, Gael has bravely endured intensive chemotherapy, countless hospitalizations, and periods of zero immunity, often requiring blood transfusions. His parents have invested everything into his health, supplements, nutrition, and care, never leaving his side.

They’ve had to stop working completely. One parent is always in the hospital with Gael, while the other stays home caring for his 2-year-old sister. Their life has been reduced to hospital rooms, doctor consults, sleepless nights, and a heartbreaking uncertainty no family should face.

Why We’re Asking for Help

Right now, Gael’s body is exhausted. His family is emotionally and financially depleted. What they need most now is time with their son — without the added stress of mounting bills, rent, hospital costs, and living expenses in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

I’m asking for your help to support this family through the next phase of Gael’s illness — whatever it may hold. Your donation will allow his parents to stay by his side, care for his little sister, and give Gael the love and peace he deserves.

Every Dollar, Share, and Prayer Counts

Please donate what you can. Share Gael’s story with your friends, coworkers, church groups — anyone who can help this family feel less alone in the fight.

Together, we can ease their burden and help them focus on what matters most: time, love, and comfort for Gael.

From the bottom of my heart and that of my cousins,

Thank you.

Jessica Castellano