Superhero Hayden Yates' Fight

If you are reading this, I hope that it makes you pause, reflect and put into perspective just how precious our lives are.  I hope you can be thankful, and give unselfishly to a little superhero, Hayden Yates.  I have taken much of his story (below) from a post written by a good friend of his momma's, Brandan Blew. 

"Mindy Buckreus Yates and I grew up together in Fayetteville, AR.  We attended elementary school, junior high school and high school together. I've had the privilege of being Mindy's co-worker for the past five years. She and her husband, Adam, have done a fantastic job of raising their two children; Linley who is 9 and Hayden who is 3. Linley will probably work for NASA one day!  She's extremely intelligent, highly gifted, athletic and wise well beyond her years.

Hayden, their three-year-old serves as his parents' joy in many other ways. He has the biggest heart and the cutest smile that will melt your heart! He loves to share…not only his toys or crayons, but also his daily achievements through his own little three-year-old language. If there's a golf club nearby, he has to swing it.  A ball? He has to throw it.  A cookie? He has to taste it.  A dry erase marker in the office?  He has to use it! (We have to hide those!) He loves to play in his backyard, even if it's freezing cold and his parents won't let him go outside.  But most of all, he loves his mom, dad and big sister!

On March 10, their world changed...forever.  Hayden was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at Children's Hospital in Little Rock. AR.  

We all have friends, family or loved ones who's lives have been impacted by cancer. Some of you might be cancer survivors yourselves and can relate to the fight that Hayden has ahead of him.  I have no doubts that Hayden will get through this with prayer, love and impeccable physician care. 

Hayden is still too young to read, too young to ride a bike upright, too young to play organized sports, or even color within the lines. He's still years away from driving a car or falling in love for the first time, and yet he is about to endure the biggest mental, emotional and physical battle of his life. He's so young and so innocent. How dare I ever believe that I have it tough after knowing what Hayden is going through? I've prayed a lot for Hayden and his family over the past few weeks. I feel helpless because there's nothing I can do except pray that God takes care of Hayden. When Hayden woke up in his hospital bed the other day, he asked Mindy if they could "pray to Jesus to take away my boo-boo" so that they all could go home soon.

I guess that's why I feel compelled to post this on social media. The Yates family needs love and prayers. I'm not telling anyone what they should believe in, but if you believe in God, the power of prayer or spirituality, please take the time to pray for Adam, Mindy, Linley and Hayden. Hayden has been so strong and so brave and the good news is that he has responded very well to the treatment thus far! But the reality of the situation is that this is going to be a long battle. Pray strength and focus for Adam and Mindy. Pray strength and understanding for Linley. And pray for Hayden and that God gives him the strength and power to overcome!  If you've read thus far, I thank you and I hope it touches you in some way.  Mindy told me today that the power of prayer has already blessed Hayden. Here's to Hayden and his bravery. Fight on little man!

Here's a picture of Hayden in his "spidey" pj's, sporting his smile under the mask, right before chemotherapy.”

For the first 29 days, Hayden's treatment plan consists of weekly visits to Children's hospital in Little Rock, AR as well as a strict regimen to his medications given at home.  After the initial month, the treatments will intensify and require periods of stay in the hospital.  His treatments will go on for 3 years with the long-term plans not yet laid out as they are waiting to see how he responds to chemo.  

During this time, Hayden will not be able to go to school, church, swimming pools, grocery stores, or any other large public places, as he cannot be around the germs that could harm his weakened body.  This will be a long journey for Mindy and Adam as they seek to find resources to meet little Hayden's needs for the long term.  

The journey will incur many expenses for medication, medical care, travel to the hospital, temporary housing while at the hospital, extra childcare, etc.  Please join us in helping them in anyway you can!   Every amount given is so very appreciated for this amazing superhero, Hayden!  The world is a better place because of you little man!!