This year has been one we could never have imagined. In the spring, baby Castiel was diagnosed with Stage 4 High-Risk Neuroblastoma at just 7.5 months old. Those first days were a blur of doctors, scans, and big, scary words no parent should ever have to hear. For Mike and Leidy, already navigating life with Castiel's sweet, spirited brother Nicollas, who is on the autism spectrum, it meant stepping into a whole new world of hospital rooms, chemo schedules, and the relentless search for hope. Amid those early, overwhelming days of processing a life-changing diagnosis, they learned something else—they were expecting another baby. A little girl, due this coming January, 2025. Now, with a son on the spectrum, a baby boy fighting cancer, and a baby girl on the way, this family’s plate is beyond full. But what has carried them through so far is the love that has shown up in every form, from friends, family, and even strangers who’ve chosen to walk this road with them. As Mike’s niece and Castiel’s cousin, I’ve seen firsthand what that love looks like. 🎗️ It’s the comments and messages that arrive right when they need encouragement most. 🎗️ It’s the shares of Castiel’s story that have connected them with people across the world. 🎗️ It’s the packages from their Amazon registry that bring moments of joy into hard days. 🎗️ It’s the events where people show up in person to surround them with light and positivity. Every single act, big or small, has been life-changing and an incredible source of strength. But as Castiel is nearing the end of 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 stage of a daunting treatment roadmap that stretches another a year and a half ahead, the reality is there’s still a long, uphill climb ahead. One that will demand every ounce of strength, love, and support we can give. The costs of childcare, lost income, travel to and from the hospital, medical bills, and preparing for a new baby are immense. That’s why we’ve set up a GiveInKind page as a central place for Castiel’s Crew to keep showing up. Here you’ll find: 🚼 Registry items to help with baby prep and daily needs 🍽️ Meal train information for the days when cooking is just too much 😷 Updates on Castiel’s treatment and the family’s journey 👩🏼‍🍼 Requests for childcare help 🫶 Ways to contribute financially or through acts of service This is how we ensure Mike, Leidy, Nicollas, and soon their baby girl have the support they need to face what is ahead, give Castiel every possible advantage in his fight, and keep feeling the love that has carried them this far. Thank you endlessly for being here. -Mekalia Gabbert