From the time he was little, Kaiden never liked being slowed down. Even as asthma and breathing problems tried to keep him sidelined, he always pushed to run and play. Sports became his joy, and before one season ended, he was already asking when the next would begin.
But the summer after kindergarten, Kaiden’s energy faded. Nausea and headaches became a part of his days, and the boy who once begged to play started asking to skip practice and school to rest. Deep down, his family knew something more was wrong.
That suspicion was confirmed during the second week of first grade, when Kaiden’s mother, Tracie, received a phone call from his school. She rushed him to the doctor, where a CT scan was ordered — a “hail Mary,” she recalls. The results revealed a life-threatening brain tumor pressing near his brain stem. Within a week, Kaiden was in surgery. Then his family received a diagnosis no parent ever wants to hear: Kaiden had medulloblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer. He also faced severe hydrocephalus, requiring another urgent procedure to relieve the pressure on his brain.
The months that followed were filled with surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, and long hospital stays. Side effects tested Kaiden daily, but he never lost his spark. He still found ways to laugh, light up when talking about sports or cars, and tell the truth exactly as he felt it — whether it was frustration at another needle or simply saying, “I’m just tired of this.” His honesty has become part of his strength, reminding everyone around him that he’s still just a little boy navigating something no child should ever have to face.
Now 7 years old, Kaiden has endured emotions far beyond his years — fear, grief, doubt, and even moments of lost hope. But at Atrium Health Levine Children’s, his family has found more than medical care. They’ve found compassion, emotional support, and a team that meets Kaiden where he is and lifts him up in his hardest moments.
“For our family, that support has meant everything,” Tracie shares. “Levine Children’s has made sure Kaiden is cared for in every avenue, and they’ve helped our family feel like we don’t have to walk this road alone.”
To Kaiden and his family, his care team has been nothing short of heroic. “It has been your knowledge, your compassion, and your willingness to keep learning and thinking for Kaiden’s health that has carried us through,” Tracie says. “We are profoundly thankful — not just for the medical care, but for the kindness, patience, and love you’ve shown our boy.”
Even on the toughest days, Kaiden’s spirit shines. He loves racing his Hot Wheels collection and always says “yes” to a sports game. A lifelong Carolina Panthers fan, Kaiden was asked what “Keep Pounding” means to him. His response was simple: “To keep going and stay happy.”
Keep Pounding for Kids Like Kaiden
Kaiden’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and hope — and it’s a reminder of why community support matters. On Sunday, September 7, our community will come together for the 15th Annual Keep Pounding 5K, benefiting cancer research and support programs at Atrium Health Levine Cancer and Atrium Health Levine Children’s in Charlotte. Whether you run, walk, or donate, every step taken and every dollar raised helps ensure that children like Kaiden have access to the latest treatments, groundbreaking research, and the emotional support their families need.
Click here to register for the race or learn more about the event.