Two days ago, September 23, 2025, our family's world was rocked to the core. Our sweet Alex was diagnosed with a brainstem tumor. It started a few months ago, he started complaining of headaches when he would laugh or cry. He also started stumbling a bit more than the average toddler. The pieces started falling into place when Catherine and Mark started noticing his right foot wasn't flexing normally when he would walk or run. At the direction of his pediatrician, Cat brought him to the ER in Fayetteville where a CT scan of his head revealed a 4cm mass in his brainstem. He was sent to Duke University Hospital, an hour and a half away from home, for further testing. He underwent an MRI of his brain and spine, and Cat and Mark were told he likely has a pontine glioma. He will undergo a biopsy tomorrow and in a few weeks when the pathology report returns, they will have more information regarding a treatment plan. Catherine and Mark both work as Physican Assistants. Mark works at an Urgent Care center close to home and Catherine recently started a new job working for the VA. Understandably, both of them will have to take time off of work to be with Alex as he is hospitalized and undergoes any recommended treatments. We're hoping that any donation, no matter the amount, will help to offset their day to day expenses, as well as traveling expenses to be with Alex. Catherine and Mark also have their beautiful daughter Hayden who will need childcare while they are navigating this scary time of their lives. Please join our family in praying for Alex and we ask that you give what you can to help them lessen the burden of the obstacles they will soon face. Thank you in advance.

All our love,

The Lucas, Kratochvil, and Harris Families