Kennedy’s Courage: A Toddler’s Triumph Over a Rare Brain Tumor

The months ahead

After surgery, Kennedy began intensive cancer treatment. He underwent three rounds of intense chemotherapy followed by three rounds of myeloablative chemotherapy requiring replacement with his own stem cells, and then a month and a half of proton beam radiation therapy.

Treatment was tough — not just on Kennedy, but also on his big sister Reagan and the rest of the family. Nate and Christina traded off 24-hour shifts in the hospital, while Reagan stayed with her grandparents, who had moved to Houston to help. The separation was difficult, but Reagan remained Kennedy’s biggest cheerleader, always ready with hugs and encouragement.

In total, Kennedy spent 10 months as an inpatient at Texas Children’s, learning to crawl and walk while in the hospital. He battled sepsis (a life-threatening blood infection) twice and endured multiple additional side effects of treatment. Even during the hardest days, his family found support in their care team, who became “like family” to them.

Today: Living life between MRIs

Kennedy completed chemotherapy in February 2022 and proton radiation in April 2022. Genetic testing confirmed the tumor wasn’t hereditary — it occurred due to a random DNA “glitch” that occurred during fetal development.

Today, Kennedy’s tumor remains dormant, and MRIs show no spread. He continues regular surveillance MRIs every 4 months.

“Each MRI lets us know we can live life for the next 4 months,” Christina said. “We’ve just celebrated 3 years off treatment.”

The family now cherishes everyday moments. They describe Kennedy as “an old man in a baby’s body” — funny, loving and wise beyond his years. Though he is exclusively tube-fed, Kennedy is thriving, with a golden retriever named Cooper providing emotional support and always by his side.

Looking ahead

Kennedy’s medical journey isn’t over yet. He has upcoming reconstructive surgeries planned to help restore movement and symmetry to his face, which was affected by the tumor and treatment. These procedures will take place in multiple phases over the next year, with the goal of improving both function and appearance as he continues to grow.

In addition to surgery, Kennedy will remain under the care of multiple specialists at Texas Children’s—including those in audiology, ophthalmology, oncology, plastics and ENT surgery. These highly specialized team members will continue to work together to monitor his long-term recovery and overall health.

Christina and Nate want to encourage other parents facing childhood cancer: “Ask questions. Trust your care team. For us, they’re not just doctors and nurses — they’re friends helping our son survive. We’re all in this fight together.”