Stand by Roman: Our Little Lion's Battle

My name is Kim, and I’ve been a close family friend for over 26 years. This is my first time creating a GoFundMe, and I’m doing it to help a truly wonderful family as they fight for their miracle baby, Roman. The road ahead is one no parent should ever have to walk, but through their faith in God, they trust that His plan is perfect.

I am asking you to please pray for Roman’s complete healing and, if you are able, to help ease the heavy financial burden this family is facing. Your prayers and support mean more than words can express.

Meet Roman, the Little Lion

On June 3rd, 2025, Roman’s mother, Alex, brought him to the hospital after noticing something wasn’t quite right. Within just a few hours, a CT scan revealed something no parent is ever prepared to hear — a 5cm mass in the front right lobe of his brain.

Within two hours, Roman was airlifted to UNC Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill, where he underwent emergency surgery just three days later. The procedure was incredibly high-risk — not only because Roman is a baby, but because the tumor was dangerously entangled with major arteries.

After nearly 8 hours of surgery, Dr. Scott Elton, Chief of Neurosurgery at UNC, delivered the incredible news: he was able to remove 100% of the tumor. Roman’s parents — Alex and Stetson — and the entire family, breathed a momentary sigh of relief and stayed by Roman’s side for over a week as he began to recover.

But their journey had only just begun.

Roman was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer called AT/RT (Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor) — a devastating diagnosis that primarily affects children under the age of 3.

Roman’s healing journey and treatment plan are now underway! Which includes a week of chemo treatments in Chapel Hill every 22 days, the doctors are still deciding on when they would like to send Roman and his family to Jacksonville Florida for proton radiation treatment.

As of right now all of Roman’s scans and LP (lumbar puncture) tests are free and clear of any more cancer cells! So Roman’s updated diagnosis is non metastatic ATRT, GTR.

Now, Roman and his family are traveling every 1–2 weeks from Wilmington, NC to Chapel Hill for treatment — often staying away from home for extended periods. This has completely upended their lives. Between medical expenses, housing, food, gas, and time away from work, the financial toll has been overwhelming.

No family is ever prepared for this kind of news — emotionally, spiritually, or financially.

How You Can Help

If you feel moved to support Roman — their brave little lion — and his loving parents during this time, any donation, big or small, will make a meaningful impact. Your generosity will go directly toward:

    •    Ongoing travel and lodging costs

    •    Medical bills not covered by insurance

    •    Meals and daily expenses during hospital stays

    •    Supporting the family as they take time off work to care for Roman

Roman has a long road ahead — with months of treatment still to come — but he is strong, and we believe God has His hand on him every step of the way. Roman is our miracle baby and no matter what we will faithfully trust our Lord Jesus Christ with Romans full restoration and complete healing.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your prayers, support, and love. Your kindness means more than words can say.