Hi, my name is Leslie and tonight I write a heartfelt ask for my best friend of 26 years and her husband as they prep for a long road to recovery for their sweet boy.

At just 13 years old, William Martel has already shown more courage than most of us will in a lifetime—and now he’s facing his hardest battle yet.

Over the years, William has endured seizures, muscle weakness, double foot surgeries, hearing loss, memory loss, and most recently, the complete loss of vision in his right eye and diabetes insipidus.

William has now been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor that is wrapped around his optic nerve, parotid gland, and carotid artery. On January 5th, William will undergo a craniotomy to obtain a biopsy so his medical team can determine the best course of treatment moving forward. Following this procedure, William is expected to spend seven days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

The road ahead is uncertain, and the emotional and financial toll is immense. Between surgery, extended hospital stays, specialty care, new medications, travel, and potential chemotherapy, the expenses will quickly become overwhelming for William’s family.

We are asking our community to rally around William and his family—Kristi, Andy, and Jesse—during this incredibly difficult time. Your prayers, love, and support will help carry them through the unknown days ahead and allow them to focus on what matters most: William’s health, comfort, and healing.

Every donation, share, and prayer makes a difference. Thank you for standing with William and the family as they face this journey together.