Stand with the CAKE Family in Their Time of Need

Help the Hinshaw Family Rebuild After Casey’s Diagnosis

Our Story

It is with a heavy heart that I share the story of my sister Kristina, her husband Casey, and their two children, Aubrey and Emmerson—known to their friends and family as the CAKE family (Casey, Aubrey, Kristina, and Emmerson). Casey loves acronyms, and this one has always symbolized the love and bond they share as a family.

Recently, Casey was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, two rare and life-threatening conditions. To survive, he needs a bone marrow transplant, which will require him to spend at least 30 days hospitalized, followed by up to 9 months or more in strict quarantine at a VA-sponsored hotel.

We are incredibly thankful that Casey’s sister, Amy, is a generous match and has volunteered to be his bone marrow donor—a life-saving gift that comes with a significant time commitment and sacrifice. We are also endlessly grateful for their mom, Peg, who has put her own life on hold to become Casey’s full-time caregiver throughout his recovery.

During this time, Casey will need to remain in isolation due to his compromised immune system, meaning the kids will not be able to physically visit him until he reaches a stable immune state, which could take up to a year.

Kristina is homeschooling their children full-time to ensure stability during this difficult time. Aubrey (8) is ADHD and dyslexic, while Emmerson (10) is ADHD, level 2 autistic, dysgraphic, and has ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder). Both kids have already shown incredible progress with homeschooling, and Kristina is committed to giving them the love and attention they need to thrive.

To minimize costs and stay close to Casey’s treatment center, the CAKE family has made the difficult decision to sell their home and move into an RV. This will provide Aubrey and Emmerson with a safe and familiar space while Casey fights to recover.

Why We Need Your Help

Our goal will help ease the financial burden on this family and give them the stability they need during this life-altering time.

Your support will ease the burden on Kristina and help the family focus on healing and staying united. It will allow them to keep their lives as normal as possible in the face of such dark times. The Hinshaw family has always been there for others, and Casey is genuinely one of the kindest, most pure, and good-intentioned men I’ve ever met. Now he needs help. Any little help is truly appreciated—whether it be funds or thoughts. Thank you for helping some of the best humans to exist.

How the Funds Will Be Used

1. RV Purchase and Setup ($19,000)

- Peg graciously covered the upfront cost of the travel trailer, which totaled $19,000 after taxes and fees.

- Funds will help reimburse Peg and cover additional costs such as registration, insurance, and necessary setup to make the RV safe and comfortable for Kristina and the kids.

2. Storage Costs ($1,800–$3,000)

- To reduce the emotional strain on the kids, the family is storing most of their belongings—including the children’s toys and familiar items—to make the transition more gradual and less traumatic.

3. Living Expenses During Recovery ($15,600–$24,000)

- Covering fuel, RV utilities, and day-to-day living expenses while Kristina continues homeschooling and caring for the kids near Casey’s treatment center.

4. Homeschooling, Fun, and Kids’ Needs ($3,500–$5,000)

- Providing educational materials, tools, and resources to help Aubrey and Emmerson continue learning during this unpredictable time.

- Allocating funds for fun and enriching activities, such as trips to museums, parks, or other educational and recreational locations, to keep the kids’ minds busy and spirits lifted.

5. Emergency/Unforeseen Costs ($5,000–$10,000)

- A financial cushion for unexpected repairs, childcare needs, or medical expenses not covered by the VA.

How You Can Help

1. Donate: Every contribution, no matter how small, provides much-needed relief.

2. Share: Please share this campaign with your friends, family, and networks to help spread the word.

3. Offer Support: Your kind words, encouragement, and prayers mean so much to the CAKE family during this challenging time.

A Note of Gratitude

This is not an easy ask. Kristina and Casey have always been the ones helping others, and now they are in a situation that is bigger than them. Kristina is my hero, my sister, and my best friend. She has walked with me through every trial and celebrated every triumph. Casey is one of the most selfless and good-hearted people I know—always ready to lift others up and lend a helping hand.

If there were ever a time to come together for a family that truly deserves it, it’s now. Your kindness and generosity will help lighten their load and allow them to focus on Casey’s recovery and their children’s well-being.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of their journey. Together, we can help the CAKE family rebuild their strength and hope for the future.