Today marks a deeply pivotal moment in Brayden’s journey — a day we have carried in our hearts for months with equal parts fear, hope, and relentless prayer. It is the day we have both longed for and dreaded, the day his long-awaited surgery finally became a reality.
Early this morning, just after 6:30 a.m., the moment arrived. We walked beside Brayden as the nurses prepared to take him back. Papers were signed, the procedure reviewed one final time, and reality settled heavily on our hearts. As we made our way down the hallway, Brayden’s eyes caught sight of a wall filled with brand-new donated toys. He paused and chose a small frog ball — a simple, unexpected moment that felt like a sign straight from heaven. My late Maw-Maw Mary loved frogs, and the words that came to mind were Fully Rely On God. In the middle of fear, it made me smile.
The surgical team was large, calm, and incredibly prepared — a reminder of just how serious this surgery was. Brayden was scared, as any child would be, yet in a moment that will stay with me forever, he tried to comfort me, telling me to take a deep breath. I prayed over him and over every hand that would care for him, kissed his forehead, and watched as they wheeled him away.
And then something unexpected happened. Yes, tears came — but so did peace. A deep, unexplainable peace that could only come from God. In my spirit, I kept hearing, “I’ve got him. I’ve got him.” That reassurance carried us through the waiting. My husband and I returned to our room and did our best to pass the time — praying, singing, watching movies — anything to quiet our anxious hearts.
Throughout the day, we were surrounded by love. Messages, texts, and prayers poured in nonstop, and every single one mattered. They lifted us when the waiting felt unbearable. We truly felt carried by the prayers of others.
In the days leading up to surgery, we had received countless signs that God was guiding every step — the timing, the date, the doctors, the technology. Fear never fully took hold because faith filled the space it tried to enter.
We were blessed with hourly updates during surgery, which brought comfort and clarity. The medical team used advanced technology, including EEGs and intraoperative MRIs, to ensure the safest outcome possible. During one MRI, the surgeon noticed a small amount of remaining tissue and made the decision to remove it immediately — a moment of quick thinking that brought tremendous relief. Brayden’s vitals remained stable throughout, and the surgery itself went smoothly.
When we finally saw him afterward, there he was — sleepy, sore, but still Brayden. Cracking jokes. Being silly. Smiling. I even told him he didn’t need to smile after having brain surgery — but that’s just who he is.
In true dad fashion, Brayden’s daddy spent part of the afternoon trying to jump-start my car in the parking lot before heading home to be with our strong big kids. Life keeps moving, even in the middle of miracles.
During surgery, I felt led to give back. Thanks to your overwhelming generosity, nearly $1,300 was raised for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and the Epilepsy Foundation, split evenly. We are deeply humbled and grateful for every donation, every prayer, and every word of encouragement.
While the road ahead still includes recovery and healing, today is a victory. A reminder of God’s faithfulness. A testament to Brayden’s strength. And proof that we never walk these journeys alone.
Please continue to pray for Brayden as he heals. Thank you for standing with us, loving us, and lifting us when we needed it most.
Together, we keep fighting.
We keep praying.
And we keep believing. 🤍
100% Affected Cells —Gavin’s Journey of Hope
Those three words alone were enough to shatter Gavin and his family's world. A cold, absolute number echoed through the hospital room like a verdict no one was prepared to accept. In that moment, time seemed to stop. Breathing became heavy. Hope seemed so fragile it could vanish at any moment.
Gavin lay there—tiny under the cold white hospital lights, his frail body surrounded by tubes, machines, and the constant beeping of the ceiling. But amidst all of that, one thing never disappeared: love. His parents were always by his side, holding his tiny hands, whispering gentle stories between treatments. Every rare smile Gavin gave was cherished like a miracle—small, but priceless.
Each day was a battle. Some days, simply having Gavin breathe a little more steadily would have been a victory. There were long nights when the sounds of machines mingled with silent prayers, and Gavin's parents only wished for him to sleep peacefully, free from pain and fear. Within those cold walls, fear was always present—but it was never stronger than courage.
And then, a glimmer of light appeared.
Today, Gavin embarks on a new chapter—immunotherapy and medication. No one dares promise anything. There is no sure path. But it is a thin, shimmering thread, guiding them forward when there seems to be no way out. A small hope, but enough to grasp with all their hearts.
The hope of returning home. 🏡
A home where there are no machines, only the warm scent of food, tight hugs, and prayers spoken aloud. A place where Gavin can be loved not through tubes or screens, but through the embrace of his family. 🤍
Gavin's journey is not over yet. Many challenges, worries, and uncertain days lie ahead. But with each steady breath, each moment of unwavering resilience, Gavin is teaching everyone a timeless lesson:
💛 No matter how fragile things may seem — hope remains.
💛 No matter how long the darkness lasts — love endures.
And that love will continue to guide us.