Kaiden Isaack

Kaiden’s health problems started early. Not only was he born with heart issues, at just 14 months old, Kaiden was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma. “This was a devastating diagnosis by itself,” Nancy shared, “but coupled with heart disease, it felt like the cards were stacked against him.” In August 2021, Kaiden began chemotherapy every three weeks for 11 cycles. During chemo, he received red cells once a month and platelets two to three times each week for the last year of his life. All of this possible thanks to blood donors with Hoxworth. Nancy says each time he received blood, he was able to be off oxygen for a few days. She says the combination of red cells and platelets no doubt prolonged his life.

The treatments were grueling, but in May 2022, he reached a milestone his family had prayed for when he rang the bell, signifying the end of treatment. He had overcome neuroblastoma. “This felt like a huge victory,” Nancy said.

Despite his struggles, Kaiden’s spirit never dimmed. “Kaiden was probably the toughest and strongest boy that we know,” Nancy said. “He had an uncanny ability to smile and find joy, even on his hardest days.” Though he didn’t use many words, he communicated clearly and powerfully. “He had the best laugh and executed the perfect side-eye when he thought something fishy was happening,” she remembered.

Everyone who met him was drawn to his exuberant personality. He loved boating and being on the water, anything related to Mickey Mouse, and many Disney movies. Most of all, he loved his family and they loved him fiercely.