Dear Brave Like McKenna Supporters, It’s hard to believe it has been 730 days since McKenna’s beautiful life last graced us with her presence. We miss her smile that greeted us each day, her tight hugs, her strong-willed spirit, and her incredibly kind heart. Not a day goes by that we don’t think of her. We are working every day to honor her by helping other children and families facing childhood cancer- spreading her love and light wherever we can. Because of you, that mission continues....
28 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, This Fighter Friday, we are honored to highlight My’ella- a brave little girl and the firstborn daughter to her loving Mom and Dad. At just two months old, My’ella was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma, a life-changing diagnosis no family is ever prepared for. Since that moment, her parents have shown incredible strength and dedication- both working full-time in healthcare, one on days and one on nights, so that someone is always home to care for My’ella while ensuring she...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Dear Brave Like McKenna Family, Breaking News! Today, the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act officially passed Congress and will now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. This moment has been years in the making and it is a historic victory for the pediatric cancer community. Two years ago, Keith and I were in Germany, desperately searching for options for McKenna. During that time, we had our first meeting with Nancy Goodman of Kids v Cancer and asked a simple but...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, This week, we’re honored to introduce you to Lucy, a brave little girl whose strength and spirit inspire us all. Just before Christmas of 2024, Lucy and her family received the life-changing news that she had been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). What should have been a season filled with light and joy quickly became one of uncertainty and fear. Lucy’s mom shared that this diagnosis has completely turned their world upside down. After starting a new job in May...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, As this year comes to a close, we want to pause and simply say THANK YOU🫶🏼 This past year has been our first full year as the Brave Like McKenna Foundation, and what you’ve helped make possible has been incredibly impactful and meaningful. This foundation was created in honor of McKenna Royer, and while the ache of missing her is still part of our everyday, so is the incredible community that has grown around her story and commitment to keeping her light alive. Learn More About...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, This Fighter Friday, we’re honored to introduce you to Johnna, a resilient and determined young warrior. Johnna was diagnosed in late October 2024 with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). A talented flute player in her school band and a dedicated volleyball player, Johnna’s life changed overnight as she began her fight against this aggressive disease. Through every setback — including a relapse during chemotherapy — Johnna has shown incredible courage. Thanks to a trial drug, she was...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, This month's Fighter Friday feature is honoring a high school senior from a small town in Kansas who embodies what it means to be brave. Just a few weeks into his senior year, on September 17, 2025, Daniel and his family heard the news that will change their lives forever. Daniel was diagnosed with Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), an aggressive and malignant brain tumor. Within weeks, they relocated to Memphis, TN, where a surgeon at St. Jude gave them hope. On October 2nd, Daniel...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, On this Fighter Friday during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, we’re honored to introduce you to Judah. A courageous 8-year-old who’s showing us all what it means to fight with heart, hope, and fierce determination. Judah was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at just 6 years old. He’s now about halfway through treatment, with the hope of completing it by April 2026. Judah is one of four siblings in a beautiful, close-knit family of six: Mom, Dad, Emilia (12),...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, On March 19, 2022, Josiah’s life, and his family’s, changed forever. What started as severe headaches and nausea quickly became every parent’s worst nightmare. A CT scan revealed something no one wanted to hear: a possible brain tumor with dangerous fluid buildup. Within hours, Josiah was rushed by ambulance to Riley Children’s Hospital, where he had emergency surgery to place a drain to relieve the pressure on his brain. The very next day, surgeons attempted a biopsy, but...
7 months ago • 1 min read