Finding support in coping with infant's diagnosis

March 3, 2015, started off as a normal day. We loaded our son into the car and battled through the winter storm to take our 4-month-old baby to the ophthalmologist due to a fluttering of his eyes.

She called the fluttering "nystagmus" and sent us right to the hospital. Little did we know that a snowstorm would be the easiest for us to weather that day.

After arriving at Lutheran General Children's Hospital, multiple tests, and a biopsy later, Kale was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and an inoperable brain tumor. As the doctor delivered the words we will never forget: "Your son's survival is stacked against him," we collapsed into each other's arms in tears.

We, as his parents, knew we only had that moment because we were now in the fight of our lives and we were going to win.

The months following were unimaginable. We learned an endless amount of medical jargon and made ourselves at home in the hospital. Handing your sweet baby over for tests, operations, procedures, you name it, time after time was the norm, but the heartbreak and fear never lightened.

The outside world rallied behind us. We had so many visitors, gift baskets and well wishes. We were grateful to have a part of the ongoing world bring normalcy as our world stood still.

Our son, even to this day, 15 months after diagnosis, has beautiful people all over the country praying for him. Fundraisers and charities generously offered help for our growing stack of bills.

One organization in particular, Heroes Like Haley, became a saving grace. HLH isn't just a money-raising charity, they are family. The huge check and endless gifts were so helpful, but nothing can compare to the love and support we receive. Heroes Like Haley's opening of their hearts to us is something no amount of money can buy, and that is the greatest gift.

As his tumor remains stable, we are grateful that Kale and our bond with Misty and everyone behind HLH is the only thing growing!