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Karson's Warrior Grant Spotlight: The Abare Family's Journey Through Childhood Leukemia

5/19/2026

Hope for Miracles | Karson's Warrior Grant Recipient Story

At Hope for Miracles, one of the most meaningful parts of our mission is supporting families facing the unimaginable. Through Karson's Warrior Grant, we strive to provide assistance, hope, and encouragement to families navigating a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Today, we are honored to share the story of last year's grant recipient family, the Abare's, and their courageous son, Cayden.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

Just a few days after Thanksgiving, the Abare family's world changed forever.

Their second-born son, Cayden, was only 20 months old when they noticed something unusual. He began walking mechanically, and within days, he stopped bearing weight on his legs altogether. Initially, they suspected a minor injury from a recent fall off a dining room chair. Their pediatricians conducted examinations and ordered X-rays, which came back normal.

Still searching for answers, doctors ordered a full blood panel.

That evening, the family received a phone call no parent ever expects.

They were instructed to pack a bag and travel immediately to the University of Vermont Medical Center because there was concern that Cayden's blood work indicated leukemia.

"We drove to Vermont in a snowstorm not knowing what awaited us," the family shared.

Facing Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Upon arrival, Cayden was admitted for further testing. The next morning, a familiar face brought comfort during an overwhelming time. Dr. Hunt, who had cared for Cayden since birth due to his having only one kidney, reassured the family that an exceptional team was already working on his case.

Soon after, pediatric oncologist Dr. Bradeen confirmed what doctors suspected: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the most common type of childhood leukemia.

Treatment began immediately.

Within days, Cayden underwent:

Port placement surgery
His first lumbar puncture
A bone marrow aspiration
Chemotherapy treatments
Steroid therapy

"No time was wasted," his family recalled. "We barely had time to process everything that was happening."

In just two weeks, their healthy, happy toddler had gone from running and playing to facing more than two years of intensive cancer treatment.

Finding Strength Through Compassionate Care

Despite the devastating diagnosis, the Abare family found comfort in the incredible care they received from the Pediatric Oncology team.

"We were very grateful. We hardly had time for fear and doubt to creep in because they were already working toward ridding his body of this cancer."

Their story highlights the extraordinary dedication of the medical professionals at the Pediatric Oncology Department at Golisano Children's Hospital and UVM Health Network, whose expertise, compassion, and family-centered care make an immeasurable difference for children battling cancer and the families who love them.

Why Karson's Warrior Grant Matters

Stories like Cayden's remind us why Karson's Warrior Grant was created.

A pediatric cancer diagnosis impacts every aspect of a family's life—emotionally, physically, and financially. While families focus on treatment and healing, everyday expenses continue to accumulate. Our goal is to help ease some of those burdens so families can focus on what matters most: their child.

Seeing how Cayden's medical team embraced the Abare family as their own reflects the same love and support that Karson's family experienced during their journey. It is a powerful reminder that no family should face childhood cancer alone.

Giving Back to the Community That Cares

The remarkable care provided by the Pediatric Oncology team at Golisano Children's Hospital at UVM Health is one of the reasons Hope for Miracles proudly donates 10% of funds raised back to the Pediatric Oncology Department.

Their commitment to children like Cayden brings light, hope, and healing during some of life's darkest moments.

A Message to the Abare Family

Thank you, Abare family, for sharing your story. We know how difficult it can be to relive these experiences while still walking through treatment.

Your courage, resilience, and faith inspire us all.

From everyone at Hope for Miracles, we continue to send love, strength, and prayers to Cayden and your entire family as treatment continues. We are grateful that you are surrounded by such exceptional care and unwavering support.

🎗️ Together, we continue to fight for hope, healing, and miracles.

Support Families Facing Pediatric Cancer

Every donation, fundraiser, and act of support helps families like the Abare's navigate the challenges of childhood cancer. Learn more about Karson's Warrior Grant and how you can make a difference through Hope for Miracles.

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