My name is Lauren Clark, and Desi and I have been best friends since 2005. We met one day and haven't stopped since. I am raising funds for her son, Holden, who is 8 years old and has been diagnosed with a cancerous kidney tumor.

It’s been a whirlwind start to 2026. On February 13th, we learned that Holden has a cancerous tumor on his kidney. The past two weeks have been emotional and exhausting, but I truly feel like we’re in a hopeful place right now. His diagnosis is called a Wilms Tumor.

We’ve been at Masonic Children’s Hospital since Friday the 20th (and are going home today!), where he had his biopsy and a port placed for treatment. Most of his ongoing care will be done closer to home at Essentia in Duluth. We’ve been reassured that this is very treatable, and the current estimate for treatment and surgery to remove the tumor is about 6–9 months.

Holden understands what’s happening, and honestly, his biggest heartbreak right now is not being able to see his friends in person for a while, especially when his immune system will be compromised during treatment. With his first surgery behind him, he’s recovering well and slowly getting back to his normal active self.

We are surrounded by an incredible village that has already done SO much for us, and we are deeply grateful for the love and support. Lauren, Kendra, and Pamela have been organizing and researching what they can and can’t do fundraising-wise, meal trains, etc. More information on that will be coming soon.

This year will be a journey. AND I know that when we look back in 2027, we’ll be able to say, “Wow… we all made it through that.” Anyone who has met Holden knows that nothing slows him down, and this won't either. He is strong, determined, and ready to kick this tumor’s ass.