Trace's fight against T-cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia & Mediastinal Mass

12/19/2025

How can you be 17 today?!?! Happy Birthday my love! So proud of you and I can’t wait to see you this afternoon! 💕

12/11/2025

Hey everyone!! We are finally home, so we are definitely doing better.

Trace still isn’t 100%, but his oncologist felt confident that it was safe for him to come home. That alone lifted his spirits. We finally have some clearer answers about what’s been going on.

Trace’s body has stopped producing B cells.
B cells are what help fight infection. And because he has T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia, his T cells are also compromised. His doctor was very honest in saying that if there’s anything out there to catch, Trace will catch it. He explained that normally he would tell a patient in Trace’s situation to avoid people entirely, but he believes that would be unfair to Trace. Instead, he reminded us to continue being extremely careful with good hygiene.

When Trace was first diagnosed, he did produce B cells, so for a T-cell leukemia patient to later lose B-cell production is very rare. They are doing additional testing to figure out why this happened.

Unfortunately, once the body stops producing B cells, it cannot start again. So Trace will need monthly IVIG treatments for the rest of his life to help protect him from infections.

Trace also developed a virus that caused him to become severely anemic, and it hit his bone marrow really hard. The anemia explains everything he’s been struggling with: the high heart rate, extreme fatigue, not being able to keep anything down, and the overall weakness.

For now, the plan is no chemo for one month so his body can rest and recover. His oncologist does not want to pursue anything invasive with his bone marrow at this time. Once he starts improving, they will slowly reintroduce his chemotherapy.

The good news today: his blood counts were a little better, and his oncologist believes that over the next month, Trace will improve day by day as his bone marrow rebounds.

We will return in one month, and if his counts look better, he will have his 19th spinal tap with chemo into his spine and then return to his daily treatments.

And the sweetest moment today was when he found out he could come home, Trace immediately texted his dad to share the good news. It meant everything to him.

We are incredibly thankful to be home together as a family this weekend. These moments mean more than ever.

Thank you all for the nonstop love from everyone! The texts, calls, messages, prayers, meals, and support. I truly don’t know how we could ever begin to repay the blessings we have received. I’m sorry if I haven’t answered everyone, but please know we feel every bit of the love surrounding us. Please continue to keep Trace, Dave, and Jordan in your prayers as we move forward.

We love you all!
Rachael

Old picture alert! One that always makes me smile!

We are headed to Atlanta tonight for Trace’s appointment in the morning. We’re staying positive and hopeful that he’ll be able to come back home tomorrow.

Trace hasn’t been able to eat anything since last Monday. He tried drinking a shake yesterday, but he ended up getting sick. For the last two weeks, anything he has tried to eat hasn’t stayed down. On top of that, he seems to be coming down with a cold.

Please keep him in your prayers. We’re praying for answers, strength, and some relief for him.

🧡Rachael

12/09/2025

Old picture alert! One that always makes me smile!

We are headed to Atlanta tonight for Trace’s appointment in the morning. We’re staying positive and hopeful that he’ll be able to come back home tomorrow.

Trace hasn’t been able to eat anything since last Monday. He tried drinking a shake yesterday, but he ended up getting sick. For the last two weeks, anything he has tried to eat hasn’t stayed down. On top of that, he seems to be coming down with a cold.

Please keep him in your prayers. We’re praying for answers, strength, and some relief for him.

🧡Rachael

12/06/2025

I’m sorry for the late update. I’ve been sleeping most of the day! Trace’s labs came back better today. While they’re not 100%, the oncologist feels confident that it’s safe for him to be home until we meet with his main oncologist on Wednesday.

Trace definitely seems better. He’s still very tired, but being home has lifted his spirits more than anything.

We are truly so thankful to have this weekend together as a family. These moments mean everything right now.

Thank you to everyone for the support, love, and prayers. And a special thank you to Gina Young for bringing over enough dinner to last us until Christmas!! It was absolutely delicious. We’re so thankful for you.
P.S. Gert would be proud of your chicken and dumplings!

🧡Rachael

I’ve come to realize that as a mom, I truly have nothing, and I mean nothing, to complain about. And trust me, that’s hard for me to admit because I complain about everything.

But watching my child walk through chaos every single day, facing things no kid should ever have to endure, it puts everything into perspective. It humbles you in a way nothing else can.

And through all of it, his words to me are always the same: “I’m fine, Momma.” Those three words break me and strengthen me at the same time.

He is fighting battles I can’t take from him, no matter how badly I want to. Being his mom has taught me more about gratitude, grace, and what truly matters.

I have dropped to my knees and begged God to pass this over to me instead, but he continues to carry it with a quiet bravery that amazes me every single day.

Right now, we’re in the ER at Arthur Blank for an unexpected visit. He’s getting fluids, and we’re waiting on labs. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

You’ve got this, son. 🧡 Momma, Dad, and Jordan love you big!

12/05/2025

Update on Trace

Today brought a little relief. Trace’s labs showed some improvement. He received his 4th blood transfusion and more fluids, and the oncology team felt okay sending him home for the night. And truthfully, he needed that. Being home, even for a short time, does something for his spirit that the hospital just can’t.

We came home knowing he’ll need local labs tomorrow and that we may have to head right back to Atlanta if anything drops again. For now, he’s resting, and I’m holding on tightly to that.

His bone marrow is taking such a hard hit, and as a mom, it’s heartbreaking to watch. I can see in his eyes and hear in his voice that he is tired in a way no child should ever have to be. I know he wants to give up and that is the part that hurts me the most. But even in those moments, he keeps going. He keeps fighting, even when he doesn’t feel like he can.

Please continue to keep him in your prayers. Your messages, your love, your support, it all matters so much. Thank you for lifting our family up when we feel like we’re barely holding ourselves together.

🧡Rachael

I’ve come to realize that as a mom, I truly have nothing, and I mean nothing, to complain about. And trust me, that’s hard for me to admit because I complain about everything.

But watching my child walk through chaos every single day, facing things no kid should ever have to endure, it puts everything into perspective. It humbles you in a way nothing else can.

And through all of it, his words to me are always the same: “I’m fine, Momma.” Those three words break me and strengthen me at the same time.

He is fighting battles I can’t take from him, no matter how badly I want to. Being his mom has taught me more about gratitude, grace, and what truly matters.

I have dropped to my knees and begged God to pass this over to me instead, but he continues to carry it with a quiet bravery that amazes me every single day.

Right now, we’re in the ER at Arthur Blank for an unexpected visit. He’s getting fluids, and we’re waiting on labs. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

You’ve got this, son. 🧡 Momma, Dad, and Jordan love you big!

12/04/2025

Update on Trace

We are back at Arthur Blank this morning getting labs drawn. His heart rate has come down from the 160s to around 125, still high, but definitely an improvement, and we’ll take any step in the right direction. Our hope today is that his labs look better so we can be released to head home until the 10th.

Trace is truly exhausted!! Between multiple blood transfusions, nonstop testing, and the transition to the Ronald McDonald House last night, his body is just worn out. He needs rest, recovery, and time off all chemotherapy until we return.

I am incredibly overwhelmed by the phone calls, texts, prayers, and offers to help. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to answer or respond the way I normally would. And I’m also sorry if you haven’t even received a call letting you know what’s going on. Our minds just aren’t in a place to keep up with everything right now. We’re trying our best to focus on Trace and get through each hour as it comes.

Thank you for giving us grace, for loving our family, and for praying us through these last few days. It means more than you will ever know.

🧡Rachael

I’ve come to realize that as a mom, I truly have nothing, and I mean nothing, to complain about. And trust me, that’s hard for me to admit because I complain about everything.

But watching my child walk through chaos every single day, facing things no kid should ever have to endure, it puts everything into perspective. It humbles you in a way nothing else can.

And through all of it, his words to me are always the same: “I’m fine, Momma.” Those three words break me and strengthen me at the same time.

He is fighting battles I can’t take from him, no matter how badly I want to. Being his mom has taught me more about gratitude, grace, and what truly matters.

I have dropped to my knees and begged God to pass this over to me instead, but he continues to carry it with a quiet bravery that amazes me every single day.

Right now, we’re in the ER at Arthur Blank for an unexpected visit. He’s getting fluids, and we’re waiting on labs. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

You’ve got this, son. 🧡 Momma, Dad, and Jordan love you big!

12/03/2025

Update on Trace 💛

Trace received his 3rd blood transfusion today, and while his bloodwork still isn’t perfect, oncology felt comfortable sending him to the Ronald McDonald House tonight while we wait for additional tests to come back.

Trace is truly exhausted. The transfusions took a lot out of him, and even the transition over to the Ronald McDonald House was a chore for his body. He’s resting now and desperately needs the downtime.

He will not be having any daily chemotherapy until we return on the 10th. His body needs a true break! Lots of rest, healing, and recovery.

If all goes well overnight, we should be able to head home tomorrow. Crossing our fingers and toes.

Thank you all so much for the continued prayers, messages, and love. We feel it more than you know.

🧡Rachael

I’ve come to realize that as a mom, I truly have nothing, and I mean nothing, to complain about. And trust me, that’s hard for me to admit because I complain about everything.

But watching my child walk through chaos every single day, facing things no kid should ever have to endure, it puts everything into perspective. It humbles you in a way nothing else can.

And through all of it, his words to me are always the same: “I’m fine, Momma.” Those three words break me and strengthen me at the same time.

He is fighting battles I can’t take from him, no matter how badly I want to. Being his mom has taught me more about gratitude, grace, and what truly matters.

I have dropped to my knees and begged God to pass this over to me instead, but he continues to carry it with a quiet bravery that amazes me every single day.

Right now, we’re in the ER at Arthur Blank for an unexpected visit. He’s getting fluids, and we’re waiting on labs. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

You’ve got this, son. 🧡 Momma, Dad, and Jordan love you big!

12/03/2025

Update on Trace!

Trace is doing ok. Very tired, but they seem to have him more stable. He still isn’t eating or drinking, but that’s not out of the norm for him. He is getting ready to receive his 3rd blood transfusion, and then they’ll run more bloodwork. If his levels rise, they are considering moving us to the Ronald McDonald House for the night just to make sure he stays stable before sending us home.

They will be taking him off all of his daily chemotherapy treatments until we return on the 10th. They believe he has developed chemo toxicity, and his body needs a break. Everyday chemo for the last 734 days has taken such a toll on him.

I should have more information later this afternoon.

Thank you for all of your text messages, phone calls, prayers, and love. We feel every bit of it.

Rachael

I’ve come to realize that as a mom, I truly have nothing, and I mean nothing, to complain about. And trust me, that’s hard for me to admit because I complain about everything.

But watching my child walk through chaos every single day, facing things no kid should ever have to endure, it puts everything into perspective. It humbles you in a way nothing else can.

And through all of it, his words to me are always the same: “I’m fine, Momma.” Those three words break me and strengthen me at the same time.

He is fighting battles I can’t take from him, no matter how badly I want to. Being his mom has taught me more about gratitude, grace, and what truly matters.

I have dropped to my knees and begged God to pass this over to me instead, but he continues to carry it with a quiet bravery that amazes me every single day.

Right now, we’re in the ER at Arthur Blank for an unexpected visit. He’s getting fluids, and we’re waiting on labs. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

You’ve got this, son. 🧡 Momma, Dad, and Jordan love you big!

12/03/2025

Trace is being admitted. He needs blood transfusions, an IVIG infusion, and they may need to investigate his bone marrow. His heart rate has been in the 160s, and his bloodwork does not look good. We’re hoping to know more tomorrow.

Please keep Dave and Jordan in your prayers as well — we are all worried.

Thank you for lifting our family up.

Rachael

I’ve come to realize that as a mom, I truly have nothing, and I mean nothing, to complain about. And trust me, that’s hard for me to admit because I complain about everything.

But watching my child walk through chaos every single day, facing things no kid should ever have to endure, it puts everything into perspective. It humbles you in a way nothing else can.

And through all of it, his words to me are always the same: “I’m fine, Momma.” Those three words break me and strengthen me at the same time.

He is fighting battles I can’t take from him, no matter how badly I want to. Being his mom has taught me more about gratitude, grace, and what truly matters.

I have dropped to my knees and begged God to pass this over to me instead, but he continues to carry it with a quiet bravery that amazes me every single day.

Right now, we’re in the ER at Arthur Blank for an unexpected visit. He’s getting fluids, and we’re waiting on labs. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

You’ve got this, son. 🧡 Momma, Dad, and Jordan love you big!

12/03/2025

I’ve come to realize that as a mom, I truly have nothing, and I mean nothing, to complain about. And trust me, that’s hard for me to admit because I complain about everything.

But watching my child walk through chaos every single day, facing things no kid should ever have to endure, it puts everything into perspective. It humbles you in a way nothing else can.

And through all of it, his words to me are always the same: “I’m fine, Momma.” Those three words break me and strengthen me at the same time.

He is fighting battles I can’t take from him, no matter how badly I want to. Being his mom has taught me more about gratitude, grace, and what truly matters.

I have dropped to my knees and begged God to pass this over to me instead, but he continues to carry it with a quiet bravery that amazes me every single day.

Right now, we’re in the ER at Arthur Blank for an unexpected visit. He’s getting fluids, and we’re waiting on labs. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

You’ve got this, son. 🧡 Momma, Dad, and Jordan love you big!

11/28/2025

Today I am reminded just how thankful I am for our family. For the last 730 days, two full years, we have learned in the hardest and most beautiful ways just how precious life truly is.

Two years of fighting.
Two years of strength we never knew we had.
Two years of watching our boy battle something no child should ever face… and still find ways to smile, love, and live.

This journey has changed us. It’s softened some parts of us and strengthened others. It’s shown us the deepest kind of love. The kind that shows up in the middle of the night, in hospital rooms, in phone calls, in prayers, and in those moments when we felt like we couldn’t take one more hit… but somehow we did. And through it all, our family has held tight to each other. We’ve cried together, worried together, celebrated every win, and leaned on so many of you who have prayed, reached out, and walked beside us.

I am so grateful. For my children. For my husband. For the strength I see in them every single day. For the lessons this journey has taught us. For every person who has held our family up.

Life is precious.
And today, more than ever, I feel it. 🧡

🩷Rachael

11/14/2025

Update on our babes 💛

Trace is home and resting. I’m not ready to talk about his results yet because, to be honest, the answers we did get only led to more questions. Oncology was very puzzled, and until they finish digging deeper and we have the full picture, I’m not ready to speak on it publicly.

For now, the plan stays the same: daily chemo as always, back mid-December for chemotherapy, an oncology appointment, and monthly IVIG treatments. One bright spot, he is so happy to have his pup back home with him! Thank you to everyone for your help!

Today was a long, emotional day for Jordan, but we finally got some answers and a clearer plan for how to help her moving forward.

For the last couple of months, Jordan has had pain in her neck, back, and knees, along with joint swelling from her arthritis. After imaging and evaluations, she was diagnosed with mild scoliosis, with a sideways curve beginning in her thoracic spine. She also has lumbar lordosis, which is an exaggerated inward curve in her lower back that puts pressure on her hips, stomach, and pelvis explaining a lot of her daily back, hip, and knee pain. On top of that, she has sway-back posture, which makes the lordosis even more pronounced.

The good news: with physical therapy twice a month at Children’s, we can avoid surgery and bracing for now. We’ll reassess everything in six months. Because of her arthritis, avoiding surgery is always the goal unless absolutely necessary and her PT was incredibly hopeful.

I do want to be honest and say that our experience with the surgeon after her PT session was not a positive one. His bedside manner was nonexistent, and he ended up putting Jordan in tears. We will not be returning, and her rheumatologist will absolutely be hearing from us tomorrow. Our kids deserve compassion, especially when they’ve already been through more than most adults ever will.

Jordan’s PT told her she is one of the strongest 11-year-olds she’s seen in years. She even handed Jordan the tightest leg band their office had, which says a lot about her strength. Then we went to the surgeon, and he told her she needed to “get in shape,” get off screens, and “get on a team,” because dance and gymnastics (which she doesn’t even do gymnastics) “aren’t real sports” for spine strength. Then he followed it with, “But you’re cute though,” like she was five. She told him she’s been in pain her whole life, so she doesn’t even know how to describe it anymore and this new diagnosis is just “one more thing” she’ll get through.

Needless to say… we won’t be going back.

And in true Jordan fashion, she looked at me as soon as the car doors locked us back inside and said, “he was two seconds away from a throat punch, just to show him what I thought about his little “team” comment.” 😂 That girl’s fire keeps me alive.

Both of our kids amaze us every single day. Thank you for the calls, texts, and prayers over this last week. Our family feels every bit of the love, and we are so grateful. 💛

🩷Rachael

Tomorrow morning, Trace and his dad will head to Atlanta for Trace’s oncology appointment and chemotherapy. We already received some bloodwork results that have us feeling nervous and anxious to hear more about. Then on Thursday, Jordan and I will head down for two appointments we’ve been waiting on for over a month.

To be honest, the anxiety has been heavy lately. It has driven Dave and me crazy just thinking about what’s ahead for both of our kids this week. We’re praying for good news and for calm hearts. 💛

Please keep Trace and Jordan in your thoughts and prayers these next few days. Our family truly appreciates every bit of love and support.

🩷Rachael