Our family is in a battle for answers right now. For months, we have been navigating a medical mystery with our young son, Aaron, and the physical, emotional, and financial toll has been immense. We are reaching out to our community, friends, family, and kind strangers for help as we search for answers.

This all started back in August with severe abdominal pain that left Aaron hunched over. We were initially dismissed with a "virus" diagnosis, only to return to the ER hours later. After extensive tests, he was diagnosed with Mesenteric Adenitis (swollen lymph nodes in his abdomen). What followed was nearly 12 days in the hospital, a brief release, and several return trips.

We were told it just had to "run its course," but something never sat right with us.

Since then, Aaron hasn't completely been himself. He’s tired all the time, gets sick more easily, and the abdominal lymph nodes remain swollen. We found another swollen lymph node in his neck, which an ultrasound showed "suspicious" activity and abnormal blood flow, prompting an urgent biopsy referral to rule out cancer.

We traveled to Texas for the specialized pediatric care and general surgeon our area lacked. The biopsy came back as "no cancer," which was a massive relief, but it revealed reactive follicular hyperplasia—meaning his body is intensely reacting to something mysterious. The cause is still unknown, and both his neck and abdominal nodes are still swollen.

We have an appointment with another specialist in Texas on December 17th, but our funds are depleted.

My husband is the sole provider for our family, which includes our other son, our animals, and all our bills. The hospital trips, missed work days for travel and care, rising medical bills (many uncovered by insurance), fuel costs, hotel, food on the road, and lodging expenses have create a mountain of debt.

We never wanted to ask for help, but we won't give up until we get answers and our son is well again. The bills are piling up, taxes are due, and Christmas is right around the corner. We are overwhelmed and need a lifeline. If you can help in any way we appreciate anything and everything. Happy Holidays and God Bless.