Help the Hulett-Mahaffey Family Through Graham's Leukemia

Dear Family, Friends, and Community,

The incredibly kind and generous Hulett-Mahaffey trio are in need of our support. Hannah and Benji are currently inpatient at Randall Children's Hospital with their sweet 2-year-old son Graham.

Anyone who knows Hannah and Benji know that they are incredible parents and have been blessed with a strong and cautious parental instinct. After Graham hadn't seemed himself the past few weeks, they were able to advocate for some bloodwork with his Pediatrician.

On Friday morning, they received the call that no parent wants to hear. Graham needed to be immediately taken to Randall Children's - an appointment with a Hematology specialist had already been scheduled for them and they should plan and pack to stay. Graham's red blood cell levels were critically low and his inflammation markers were unusually high.

Upon arrival to Randall's, they learned that Graham urgently needed a blood transfusion and further testing as soon as possible. The Hulett-Mahaffey's had a long first night with near constant monitoring while Graham successfully received a red blood cell infusion and IV fluids. All three are doing their best to stay positive, patient, and calm through this quick cascade of events. Hannah and Benji are providing the best snuggles, distractions, and smiles while fighting against the tangles, beeps, and lights of an unfamiliar environment.

As of Saturday evening, Graham's care team has been able to receive more information through the bloodwork that they have tested over the last 24 hours. A white blood cell test shows activity in alignment with a diagnosis of Leukemia. Unfortunately, an official blood confirmation requires a specialized pathologist evaluating the white blood cells with multiple slides and stains - and they will not be available to definitively confirm both the diagnosis and the type of Leukemia until Monday.

There are many plans in place for Graham already, firstly with nightly IV fluids to keep his body hydrated because his cellular turnover is very high and can be damaging to his kidneys. He will need to have a platelet infusion to prevent the risk of bleeding with his low red blood cell levels before he undergoes a bone marrow biopsy and lumbar puncture Monday. The bone marrow biopsy will help Drs evaluate the level of cellular abnormality and indicate certain traits for a more effective treatment. The lumbar puncture will show if there are any leukemia cells present in his spinal fluid as they can hide there. It is still unknown if he will be getting a PICC or a port for his treatment while he is under anesthesia for these procedures.

The specific course of treatment and length of stay for Graham and his parents will depend on the type of leukemia but the average treatment is 2.5 years. As of now, they are expecting both spinal and IV chemotherapy to start within the upcoming week.

This is utterly heartbreaking news to share. Hannah and Benji are truly the kindest, most generous people that I know. They have been there for my family in more ways than I can tell you. I believe that is true for so many people who are lucky enough to call them friends and family.

This journey that they are embarking on is incredibly difficult and will deeply strain their finances and spirits. I am asking that we as a community can provide prayers, strength, and financial support for Hannah and Benji so that they can focus on the care that Graham needs at this time and the next few years as he undergoes treatment.

I have faith and comfort in knowing that Graham, Hannah, and Benji are an incredibly close-knit family, with both parents always glowing as beacons of love, safety, and strength for their sweet and sensitive boy. With your help they will be able to be there for him every step of the way, no matter what it takes. Even if you can't contribute at this time, sharing this link will help immensely.

Please keep the Mahaffey and Hulett families in your hearts and know that your messages of love and support mean everything to them in this impossibly difficult time.

If you would like to donate without fees you can Venmo Hannah or Benji directly @hannah-hulett or @benji-mahaffey