Sawyer is 15 years old—a football player, our #56, a loyal teammate, and a deeply loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend.

Just a few weeks ago, Sawyer and his family received devastating news: he has a rare, extremely aggressive brain tumor that is inoperable and incurable - Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG). In an instant, ordinary life was replaced by procedures, hospital stays, treatment decisions, and an unimaginable amount of uncertainty.

Sawyer is beginning radiation intended to shrink the tumor, relieve symptoms, and preserve as much comfort and quality time as possible. He has already endured more than any 15-year-old should ever have to face.

Through it all, Sawyer is still Sawyer. He cracks jokes, gives a thumbs-up from the hospital chair, listens to the music he loves, and finds ways to bring smiles to the people around him—even on incredibly difficult days. His courage is humbling, but Sawyer should not have to carry the weight of this diagnosis alone.

His parents are doing everything possible to remain by his side, advocate for him, and give him as much comfort, joy, connection, and normalcy as they can. His siblings, extended family, teammates, coaches, friends, and community have already begun rallying around him. Now, we are asking for help carrying some of the enormous practical and financial burden his family is facing.

A sincere THANK YOU to the MHS track and basketball coaches for stepping up to support Sawyer - and the many organizations and businesses who have wrapped their arms around our family in the spirit of community.

Sawyer’s care requires frequent travel to and from treatment, lodging and meals away from home, medications, medical expenses, and significant time away from work. At the same time, the family’s ordinary household bills and responsibilities have not stopped. No parents caring for a seriously ill child should also have to worry about how they will afford the next trip, hotel stay, meal, or expense that insurance does not cover.

Every contribution will give Sawyer’s family more freedom to focus on what matters most: being together, supporting him through treatment, managing his comfort and care, and making sure he feels surrounded by love every day.

Donations will help cover:

Any amount, large or small, will make a meaningful difference. Those who are not able to donate can still help tremendously by sharing this page, contributing a meal or an item from the family’s wish list, or sending Sawyer and his family a message of love and encouragement.

Whether you donate here through GoFundMe, provide a meal or needed item via Give in Kind, share Sawyer’s story, or simply send the family a message of love, every act of support and every prayer matters.

#SawyerStrong is more than a phrase. It represents the family, friends, teammates, coaches, and community standing strong around Sawyer so that he never has to face this alone.

Thank you for helping us surround Sawyer and his family with care, practical support, and love in the days ahead.

With deep gratitude,

Amy Hauenstein, on behalf of Sawyer and his family