Update (3/1)

It is cancer.

Three small words that have now put the weight of the world on Liam, Kelsey, Connor and their family.

On Saturday, Liam was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer in the colon. Oncology is currently unsure of the stage, but Liam is scheduled early in the week for a CT, pet scan, bone marrow biopsy, and spinal tap- all of which will provide more answers. Regardless of the results, Liam will have to undergo chemotherapy.

Kelsey and Connor had to have the hardest conversation of their life and tell their 10-year-old son he has cancer. And, it’s just so hard to accept why something so terrible happens to a child?

Liam is in for the fight of his life, with a difficult road of treatment and recovery ahead. But, with all of you, he has an entire team backing him.

He WILL beat this.

He will fight.

WE will fight for him.

And, in the end Kelsey and Connor will get to tell him he is cancer free.

#WEarentstrikingout

Update (2/27)

Liam was diagnosed with intussusception, which is a serious medical emergency where part of the intestine slides and ends up causing obstruction, reduced blood flow, and potential bowel tissue death.

During surgery, the doctors had to remove part of his intestine, colon, and appendix. Because of this, he will have an ileostomy bag for about 3 to 4 months. Once he is stronger and healing, Liam will have to go back into surgery so they can put his intestine and colon back together.

The doctors also found some lesions during surgery and they were biopsied. The Haney family is still awaiting results and still have unanswered questions.

Since surgery, Liam has been working hard to keep his strength up. Today, he was able to sit in the chair and he even took about 6-7 (had to do it for Liam) steps. These activities wore him out, but he wants to go home and is trying to crush the goals the doctors set for him.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to Kelsey and Connor, sent Liam gifts to keep his spirits high, or have supported their family in any way. Liam has a long road ahead, and the Haney’s feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude for the love their son has received.

Original Post (2/25):

My name is Kate and over the last 5 years, The Haney’s have become family to myself and my children.

Our boys met at Kindergarten orientation, and in that moment I knew they would be inseparable. Liam and Zach instantly connected- the laughter, trouble, and constant chaos was about to ensue. Liam is hands down, Zach’s brother from another mother.

As I said above, the Haney’s are my family. My children call her Aunt Kels, Connor will forever be “Coach Conn”, and all six children we share between our two families will continue to grow up together, build memories, and experience life together.

Kelsey started a group text with me and another dear friend, Jamie, on Tuesday night (side note- Kelsey has the most amazing friend group who go above and beyond for everyone in their village- shoutout to Amy (Kelsey’s mother-in-law), Kayla (Kelsey’s sister), Jamie, Amanda, Tabitha, and Shauna). Kels shared that Liam had been taken to Children’s Hospital and they didn't know what was wrong. At first, the messages were a typical Mom concern. But, as the night continued, the texts became more troubled and worrisome, as Liam was taken into emergency surgery at midnight.

Around 4 A.M., my phone rang with Kelsey on the other end hysterically crying, “It’s bad, Kate. The doctors said it’s really bad.”

The pain in her voice easily expressed how she would trade spots with him in a heartbeat.

The stress in her voice easily expressed how she couldn’t process the unknowns.

The shakiness in her voice easily expressed that she is so genuinely scared.

As the minutes and hours pass, Liam is in ICU recovering while his parents wait to get answers about the unknowns. But, one thing we DO KNOW is that Liam is a strong, brave, resilient kid (it’s clear who he gets that from).

Liam has a long road ahead. And, as he recovers, he needs his parents by his side. Please consider providing a financial contribution to The Haney’s, so they can focus on Liam and helping him heal.

In addition, please watch for information regarding a spaghetti dinner on March 22nd. All proceeds will go directly to their family.

Thank you for your kindness, for showing love to an amazing family, and for the assistance your donation will provide them.

Love Always,

Kate