Isaak's healing journey- A father's call for support

Isaak’s Healing Journey – A Father’s Call for Support

Just a few months ago, my 11-year-old son Isaak Gavin-Oddieo was doing what he loved most — running football drills with his teammates at practice. He was healthy, active, and full of joy.

But during practice, Isaak felt a sudden pop in his leg. What we thought was a pulled muscle or a minor strain quickly became the start of a life-changing journey.

After multiple urgent care visits and normal X-rays, Isaak’s pain continued to worsen. We were referred to a bone specialist, who noticed something concerning on his femur. An MRI was ordered — and on March 18th, we heard the word that no parent ever wants to hear:

Sarcoma.

Isaak was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer that primarily affects children and teens.

We were immediately referred to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where Isaak underwent further testing, including a bone marrow biopsy to determine if the cancer had spread. And in a moment no parent imagines, we also had to approve testicular cryopreservation — a procedure done to preserve Isaak’s ability to have children in the future, because the chemotherapy needed to treat this cancer may take that from him.

Isaak’s Strength Through It All

Since March, Isaak has faced intensive chemotherapy treatments with unimaginable strength. Recently, his doctors finalized a surgical plan: Isaak will undergo an allograft, a surgery where part of his femur will be replaced with donor bone. This gives him a chance to keep his leg and regain mobility — but it also means months of recovery, physical therapy, and continued care.

Isaak is not just a patient — he is a loving brother to Alexia (22), Christopher (16), and Gracelynn (5). He is smart, creative, and has a heart full of laughter even in the face of pain.

He’s always been our fighter — and now he’s fighting the biggest battle of his life.

Why I’m Asking for Your Support

This fundraiser is separate from the one being run by Isaak’s mother.

As Isaak’s father, I wanted to create a space to share my side of this journey, support Isaak through the time we spend together, and rally the community around the part of his life that I’m holding up with love, care, and commitment.

Your support will help us with:

• Travel expenses to and from Salt Lake City for ongoing treatment

• Time away from work so I can be fully present during Isaak’s surgeries and recovery

• Medical costs, rehab, and mobility equipment Isaak will need post-surgery

• Basic family expenses during this extended period of care

Whether you’re able to donate, share this campaign, or simply hold Isaak in your thoughts and prayers — know that your kindness matters more than words can express.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting Isaak’s healing and showing him that he’s not fighting this alone.

From one parents heart to yours,

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Agustin Gavin

Isaak's dad