You never think it will happen to someone you know and love. And then it does.

Last June, Hamilton’s family’s world changed in an instant.

A CT scan revealed a 5 cm tumor wrapped around Hamilton’s adrenal gland and left kidney. They were told to go immediately to Children’s Hospital in Columbia, where doctors feared it was neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.

What followed were weeks in the hospital, multiple surgeries, countless tests, and more uncertainty than any family should ever have to face.

In February, Hamilton and his family traveled to New York City for extensive testing, surgery, and recovery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. What was expected to be a short trip became nearly two months away from home. During a complex surgery to remove the tumor, Hamilton lost both his left adrenal gland and left kidney because the tumor had become so intertwined with those organs. The surgery ultimately led to his diagnosis of Ganglioneuroblastoma, a rare pediatric cancer. Following surgery, he remained hospitalized for more than two weeks as he fought through complications and recovery.

While the tumor was successfully removed and his doctors are hopeful the surgery was curative, their journey is far from over.

As a fellow childhood cancer mom whose family has walked a very similar road, I know firsthand that the challenges don’t end when you leave the hospital. The scans, follow-up appointments, travel, missed work, unexpected expenses, and emotional toll continue long after the initial diagnosis and treatment.

Hamilton will continue to require ongoing scans, specialist appointments, genetic testing, and regular travel between South Carolina and New York. Every trip brings additional expenses and stress for a family that is simply focused on helping their little boy stay healthy. He will also continue to be monitored closely as he adjusts to life with one kidney.

After seeing how much support meant to my own family during our cancer journey, I encouraged Hamilton’s family to allow others the opportunity to help. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is helping carry a small piece of the burden.

If you feel led to support this sweet family whether through a donation, prayers, sharing this page, or words of encouragement, it would mean so much. Every act of kindness helps lighten the load and reminds them they are not walking this road alone.

Please join me in surrounding Hamilton and his family with love, hope, and support as they continue navigating this long journey of childhood cancer.