Support for Walker's Fight Against Cancer

Hi, my name is Emily and I'm fundraising for my childhood best friend's 5-month-old son, Walker who is just beginning his fight against cancer.

Words from his mama, Natalie:

"We brought our almost 5 month old little boy to the ER Sunday (10/22) because we noticed a large bulge in the chest/stomach area along with very prominent veins.He was clearly uncomfortable and just not himself. We had no idea what was ahead of us and what kind of journey we were about to embark on…

The ER closest to home sent us straight to UMD Pediatric ER and concern started growing that this wasn't just a simple problem. They immediately started testing and scans. Our sweet little boy was undergoing constant poking and prodding trying to get some/any information. We were soon transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit after seeing test results and meeting with the oncology staff. Our whole world was shattered.

Walker is undergoing continuous testing and had surgery on Wednesday (10/25) to biopsy the two major masses so we know more clearly what is going on. He has one small mass pushing his airway out of alignment. Another very large mass in his chest cavity in the front putting a lot of pressure on his lung and heart. His breathing is labored and progressively becoming more uncomfortable and difficult. Our hearts are breaking as we watch our normally very hungry, happy, handsome boy go through this.

We are awaiting biopsy results to see what kind of cancer our sweet boy is going to have to fight. Hopefully very shortly after seeing results we will get him started on a treatment plan and help him begin to feel better and be less at risk.

Dad has been unable to work because of an accident 6 years ago resulting in a TBI and high level of disability. He is our stay at home caretaker. I (mama) have my own small business as a hairstylist. I have been out of work since we first took Walker to the ER last Sunday and for at least the next few weeks whilst he undergoes testing and figuring out a treatment plan I will continue to be unable to work. We are living off of my sole income and now things will be extra stressful and tight. We can't begin to imagine what we are facing but know that it's going to come with extreme financial and emotional hardship.

Our little boy is strong and ready to fight and so are his Mama and Dada.

Anything helps, we are immensely grateful for your support. All donations will go towards our new medical bills, food, hospital supplies we need since we are staying here for a while, gas money to and from the hospital, and our monthly bills. Thank you again for your support.

If you wish to donate off of this platform to avoid fees being taken from the family, Natalie has given me her Venmo, PayPal, Zelle and CashApp:

VENMO: @NatalieKeiderlingSmith

PAYPAL: NKeiderling

CASHAPP: $nattytails

ZELLE: [phone redacted]