This precious family needs our help. The father works with my husband and I can’t imagine the heartache they have endured but praise God, Dawson is improving a little at a time. Here is his story: Hello, my name is Kelby Roark, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my brave little boy, Dawson Kile Roark—affectionately known as “Bubba” to all who love him. Dawson is a 5-year-old ray of sunshine, full of life, love, and resilience. He’s a true warrior whose journey has touched the hearts of many.

Born in April 2020, Dawson came into this world full of joy. He loved playing outside, riding the tractor, taking care of animals, and spending time with his sisters. He especially loved waiting for his daddy to come home from work just so he could follow him around—his little shadow. His laughter lit up every room, and his sweet spirit brought smiles wherever he went.

In July 2023, when Dawson was just 3 years old, we noticed a slight tremor in his right hand. After medical evaluations, our worst fear was confirmed—Dawson had a brain tumor located in his cerebellum and brain stem. He quickly underwent surgery, where doctors diagnosed him with a pilocytic astrocytoma, a type of brain tumor.

Just five short weeks later, the tumor regrew, and Dawson needed a second surgery. During that procedure, complications occurred, leaving him unconscious for nearly three months. When he awoke, Dawson faced devastating new challenges:

• He could no longer walk

• He couldn’t eat by mouth

• He was unable to speak

• He struggled to open his eyes appropriately

Dawson was transferred to Chicago, IL, in December of 2023 where he endured intense inpatient rehabilitation, followed by outpatient rehab, fighting every step of the way to regain what was taken from him. He is now back home with his family, surrounded by love and continuing his recovery with weekly speech, physical, and occupational therapy. And through it all — he’s made incredible progress:

•Dawson is now able to eat by mouth again, something we once feared he may never do.

•He has undergone surgery to help correct his eye alignment, and although challenges remain, he is scheduled for additional surgeries to improve his vision as much as possible.

•He is slowly but surely regaining strength and function with the help of his therapy team and the love and support of his family and friends.

We’ve recently discovered a piece of therapy equipment called a Quadriciser — a device designed to promote movement, circulation, and muscle coordination. It offers tremendous potential to help Dawson recover greater strength, mobility, and independence.

Unfortunately, this equipment is not covered by insurance, and the cost is significant. But the benefits it could bring to Dawson’s life are priceless — improving not just his physical health, but his quality of life and long-term recovery.

Our deepest wish is for Dawson to one day regain his independence, to be able to walk, talk, play, and engage with the world around him as freely as he once did. We want nothing more than for our little boy to live a fulfilled, joyful, and meaningful life—a life he has fought so hard to hold onto.