February 21, 2026:
NEWEST UPDATE: I am sharing this from Axel’s momma’s Facebook page: Please continue to donate and PRAY for Axel and his family.
“I know I haven’t got the chance to update after Axels procedure this past week but unfortunately a lot of unexpected circumstances arose and we are just now calming down.
After Axels procedure Tuesday we were almost home when things took a turn with him & we rushed him to our local emergency room. We found that Axel was in septic shock & had aspirated at some point & developed pneumonia. He was blue, shaking, and unable to catch his breath. Axel was taken by ambulance to Nationwide and admitted on the Oncology floor where we stayed for 2 days. He was on the verge of being intubated… We were scared we wouldn’t come home with our baby if I’m being honest. He was not in good shape. By the Grace of God Axel defied every odd stacked against him & got to come HOME! We are so thankful for Gods mercy & allowing us more time with our baby boy.
During Axels hospital stay we received such good news that his tumor HAS NOT GROWN! We get to continue without chemo treatments!
All of this has shown us how fragile life is and how quickly things can take a turn for Axel. We are planning as many fun things to do with him as we possibly can. If you would like to help with that in anyway possible. We appreciate anything you are able to do, even just a share
We are so thankful to have each and every one of you guys here following Axels Journey. We love you guys. “
“I know so many of you are waiting for answers and unfortunately this diagnosis IS so much WORSE than a brain cancer diagnosis. My sweet baby boy was diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome. There are absolutely no words to describe this devastating heartbreak. Axels chemo treatment is being put on the backburner for now, as his quality of life is the most important right now.
We truly appreciate every single donation that we have received, please consider sharing & helping Alex and myself be able to have as much time as we can with our Axel.
“Sanfilippo syndrome (MPS III) is a rare, inherited genetic disorder where the body can't break down a sugar molecule called heparan sulfate, causing it to build up in cells, especially the brain, leading to severe progressive neurological decline, essentially "childhood dementia," with loss of speech, motor skills, and cognitive function, often resulting in early death. There is no cure”
I’m going to be taking a break from social media and spending every minute I can with my baby boy. We are going to live our life to the fullest potential. Please hug your babies & know how FRAGILE & unfair life is ”
One of our sweet 7-year-old kindergarten students at Russell Primary School, Axel Steele, has recently been diagnosed with brain cancer. Axel is also a child with autism, which adds additional layers of complexity and challenge to his medical care and daily routines. This diagnosis has turned Axel’s world—and his family’s—upside down in ways no child or parent should ever have to experience.
Axel is a bright, brave little boy with so much life ahead of him. He now faces medical treatments, hospital visits, and a long road of care and healing. This fundraiser is to help support his parents, Alex and Mariah Steele, as they navigate medical expenses, travel, time away from work, and the many unexpected costs that come with this journey.
Our hope is to ease the financial burden so Axel’s mom and dad can focus fully on what matters most—being present with and caring for their precious son.
Please consider donating, praying, and sharing this fundraiser. Even sharing this page can make a powerful difference. Thank you for helping us surround Axel and his family with love, strength, and hope during this incredibly difficult time.