Kai

Kai's journey battling brain cancer has been a testament to his incredible strength and resilience. From the initial diagnosis at just 7 months old to the various treatments and protocols, Kai has shown unwavering courage and determination.

To support Kai and others like him, please visit keepfightingforkai.com. Your contributions, whether through donating blood products or supporting local charities, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those fighting against this disease

Kai's story is a reminder of the importance of ongoing research, support, and unity in facing challenges head-on. Thank you for being a part of Kai's journey and for considering how you can help make a positive impact in the fight against childhood brain cancer.

Kai's journey battling brain cancer has been marked by numerous terrifying challenges and various modalities of treatments, surgeries, chemotherapies, radiation, immunotherapy and healing plant medicine. It’s truly impossible to capture this 3.5 year journey of highs and lows, but one thing is for certain. Kai is love, he is here, turning 4 and we are lucky to be walking this difficult journey right by his side. He is love.

• Jan 28, 2021: At 7 months old, Kai began showing signs of severe hydrocephalus. He underwent a series of procedures at Stanford, including placement of an EVD (External Ventricular Drain), a full gross mass resection of a tumor discovered at the base of his brainstem, and placement of a shunt and port. Pathology results received two weeks later confirmed a diagnosis of ATRT.

• Feb-July 2021: Kai was considered ‘NED’ (No Evidence of Disease). He moved across the country to St Jude’s in Tennessee and started the SJY07 protocol. After 4 months of many terribly toxic adult chemotherapy drugs for brain tumors, 3 new brain tumors and 1 spinal tumor grew, WITH said chemotherapy wrecking his little body.

• July 2021: Kai returned to California for treatment at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) with Dr. Margol. He started the MEMMAT protocol in response to relapse and tumor growth in the brain and spine.

• Nov 25, 2021: An MRI revealed new tumors in the frontal lobe and additional disease activity within the brain. This led to a decision to start a Phase 1 CAR T Immunotherapy trial at Seattle Children's Hospital.

• Jan 13, 2022: Prior to starting the Seattle trial, Kai began cannabinoid treatment. A baseline MRI for the trial in February showed significant improvement, with most tumors gone and only one remaining.

• Feb 2022: Kai underwent a fourth brain surgery at CHLA to remove the remaining tumor. This was followed by 25 rounds of daily, sedated focal proton radiation at the California Proton Center in San Diego. Treatment with MEMMAT continued, leading to clear scans until October 2022. Chemotherapy was discontinued due to toxicity concerns and clear scans.

• Jan 2023 - March 2024: This period included intervals of clear scans, followed by reoccurrences and evidence of disease. Treatment interventions included 10 additional rounds of focal proton radiation, and participation in BrainChild-04, a Phase 1 CAR-T clinical trial in Seattle, with varying responses and challenges.

• May - June 2024: Following a new spot identified on scans in May, Kai resumed treatment with IO Topotecan (delivered directly to the cerebrospinal space through the Ommaya shunt) in combination with daily oral chemotherapies.

Kai turns 4 on July 1. If you have $4 to spare, we’d love you to contribute to your favorite local children’s cancer foundation or hospital in Kai’s honor. Or send a kiddo a piece of mail or tell a friend about our fight. Simply ask people to open their eyes to the horror and take action. We send endless one love.