In July 2025, my younger brother, Wyatt Wagner, was diagnosed with EIMS (Epithelioid Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Sarcoma), an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer. From the moment of his diagnosis, Wyatt has shown incredible strength, resilience, and quiet determination. Even in the most difficult moments, he continues to face each challenge with courage, surrounded by the deep love and support of his family and friends. This fundraiser is rooted in that strength—and in our unwavering belief in Wyatt.

In early January, after growing increasingly concerned about the care Wyatt was receiving at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, we made the difficult decision to drive him to the Cleveland Clinic in search of better treatment. On January 17, Wyatt was admitted to the ICU, where he remains today. Since then, our family has been staying at a hotel connected to the hospital so we can remain close and support him every step of the way. Wyatt’s girlfriend, Kaitlyn, has been sleeping in his ICU room to keep him company and serve as his constant advocate.

The cost of lodging and meals has added up quickly. Over the past several weeks, we have already spent thousands of dollars just to remain nearby. Multiple family members—including Wyatt’s mom, sister, brother-in-law, aunt, as well as Kaitlyn’s parents and aunt—have taken time off work and paid for hotel stays in order to be here for Wyatt. While being present for him is priceless, maintaining even one hotel room long-term is simply not sustainable. Still, we will stay as long as necessary—because that’s what Wyatt deserves.

In addition to hotel expenses, we are actively searching for extended-stay or temporary housing near the hospital so we can remain close throughout his treatment. We are hopeful and praying that Wyatt will be out of the ICU soon. Throughout this entire time, Kaitlyn has barely left his side. Our mom, Michelle Wagner, will need to return to work soon in order to maintain both her own and Wyatt’s medical insurance.

As long as Wyatt continues receiving care at the Cleveland Clinic, Kaitlyn will remain in Cleveland with him. However, she cannot continue to “live” in the hospital. For the past two weeks, she has been sleeping in a recliner in Wyatt’s ICU room. Kaitlyn is currently in medical school and made the incredibly selfless decision to pause her education to care for Wyatt full-time. Like many medical students, stepping away so unexpectedly has come with difficult logistical and financial consequences, in addition to the loss of income during this time.

At the same time, Wyatt and Kaitlyn are still responsible for paying rent on their apartment in Knoxville. With both of them unable to work, covering rent there while also securing housing in Cleveland has become overwhelming and impossible to manage on their own.

Any donation—no matter the amount—helps ease this financial burden and allows our family to focus on what truly matters right now: Wyatt’s healing. Your support gives us the ability to remain present, hopeful, and strong as Wyatt continues this fight.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser or keeping Wyatt and our family in your thoughts and prayers means just as much. We are deeply grateful for the love, kindness, and prayers we’ve already received—they mean more than words can express.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us during this incredibly difficult time.

“He laughs at fear, frightened of nothing; he does not turn back from the sword” ~ Job 39:22