Why Aiden Sings - Help the Hicks Family Fight the Unthinkable

Aiden is bringing so much joy to our small town of Mason, Michigan. He recently began his first job at the local McDonald’s, and he greets every customer with a smile. He even runs food out to cars, singing the famous jingle, “Ba da da da da!” It’s impossible not to smile back.

After a recent customer review left on the company’s website, Aiden has become a local celebrity.

Aiden can light up a room, and it’s incredible how much happiness he spreads, especially considering how heavy life has been at home. He has two amazing siblings, Ashton and Kaydence, and a blended family that includes his mom, Candy, stepdad, Nate, and stepbrother, Jared.

Aiden's stepdad, Nate, has been fighting the battle of his life. In January of 2023, four months after Nate and Candy said "I do," he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Genetic testing revealed it was caused by Lynch Syndrome — a rare inherited condition that drastically increases the risk of cancer. Since then, he has endured sepsis, bowel obstructions, fluid in his lungs, blood clots, emergency surgery that removed one-third of his colon, and the placement of an ileostomy bag. He has spent months in the hospital and countless nights in the ER.

Nate has undergone every treatment available — multiple rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Yet, despite it all, his cancer has spread to his spleen, adrenal gland, liver, pancreas, and lungs.

In November, Nate and Candy traveled to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas as a last hope — a chance to qualify for a clinical trial. They were told the words no family ever wants to hear:

He does not qualify. Nate is now in the fight for his life, and time is running out.

This family is deeply rooted in Mason. Candy has worked in our schools for years. Their kids volunteer at church every week. Together they dream of opening a greenhouse and winery on their land — a place where people can gather, connect, and enjoy the community they love. And Nate has one wish that keeps him going: he wants to build this greenhouse so his family will have something that outlives him. Something he built with his own hands. Nate and Candy are so thankful for those who have helped continue this journey when his body no longer could. But there is still more to be done.

They give to others without ever asking for anything in return.

So I am asking for them.

Unless a miracle heals Nate from head to toe, this family needs financial support. If he becomes eligible for a future trial, he will have to travel to Texas every three weeks — entirely out of pocket. And if the worst happens, a single parent will remain responsible for four children. Nate was the primary provider. He owned a small trucking company, a "one-man show" as he liked to call it, and worked tirelessly to support his family.

If you feel it in your heart to help, they would be forever grateful.

If you have resources, connections, or ideas, please reach out!

If you can make a financial contribution, big or small, donations can be made here:

Every dollar will go directly to:

• Nate’s medical care

• Traveling to potential treatments

• Supporting the family’s basic needs

• And helping complete their dream of building a small greenhouse to serve our community

If you are considering an end-of-year charitable donation, please consider this family that is in desperate need at an unthinkable time.

This is a family that gives love, hope, and joy to others every day, effortlessly and never expecting anything in return.

Now, they need us.

Please share. Please donate. Please hold them close in your heart.