On February 26, 2026, at just 7 weeks old, our beloved nephew Kasen Reber was brought into the hospital with a fever that seemed a bit too high. An X-ray revealed a large mass on his liver. Further imaging indicated that the mass was cancerous and had already metastasized to his lungs.
Through the collaboration and support of our incredible family, we were able to get Kasen air lifted in less than 24 hours from Reno to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital for a comprehensive diagnosis and the best possible treatment, where consistent communication, collaboration, and compassion are practiced at every turn.
After ensuring Kasen’s stability, the team of doctors focused on safely retrieving a biopsy. After several days of waiting, Kasen was formally diagnosed with a rhabdoid tumor, which is an incredibly rare and aggressive pediatric cancer that attacks the soft tissues like the liver and kidneys.
Even in the short time since Kasen was admitted to the hospital, doctors have already measured significant tumor growth, illustrating just how aggressive this disease can progress. As it grows, it creates intense pressure on internal organs causing potentially life-threatening complications - significant distention of the abdomen, trouble breathing, unstable heart rates, etc. - if not addressed with urgency and precision.
A large team of doctors, nurses, and specialists are working around the clock to keep Kasen’s condition stable enough to attempt chemotherapy treatment to try and shrink the tumor enough to maybe open up the possibility of surgery, which is currently too dangerous and off the table table, mainly due to tumor size.
After remaining stable despite the complications, Kasen was able to undergo his first round of chemotherapy treatment in the past week, which involved three days of medicine. The process will likely be repeated in 3 weeks for at least another couple cycles. After 4-6 weeks, the team can do more imaging to understand whether the treatment is having a significant effect.
Kasen’s current condition remains stable, his distention is improving with effective fluid management, and even though he’s intubated, he’s doing most of the breathing on his own with fairly minimal support needed from the machine at present.
Through all of this, Kasen’s parents — our sister Lauren and her husband Josh — remain by his side every moment, focused entirely on supporting their baby boy and each other, alongside a best-in-class medical team.
They are also managing time and care for Kasen’s big brother, Koen, who will turn two in May. Koen loves his baby brother so much. Lauren and Josh, along with their loving family, are doing everything they can to balance being at the hospital while also being present for their toddler who wants love and affection from Mom and Dad.
We are starting this fundraiser to help support their family during this unimaginable time. The coming weeks will involve extended stays near the hospital, time away from work, and many unexpected costs while Lauren and Josh focus on Kasen and navigate the weeks and months ahead.
Funds raised will help with:
• Medical expenses and specialized care
• Travel and lodging near the hospital (hotels or Airbnbs)
• Meals and daily living costs while staying near Kasen’s care team
• Potential loss of income while navigating Kasen’s emergent situation
• Support for both Kasen and Koen during this difficult time
• Unforeseen needs that arise as Kasen continues his fight.
Kasen is deeply loved by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and this enormous village that is rallying around him.
We are holding onto hope that the chemotherapy will be effective, and we are surrounding the family with as much love and positivity as possible.
Any donation, share, or prayer means more to our family than words can ever express. Thank you for your generosity in supporting our little warrior.