Four Diamonds child Harlan is a bright and curious two-year-old who loves books, snacks and giving hugs to his mom and dad. On good days, you can find him dancing to music or taking walks outside. In many ways, his life looks like that of any other toddler, but behind those joyful moments is a journey no child or parent expects to face.
When Harlan was just five months old, everything changed. In December 2023, his parents, Kelsey and Dylan, noticed that he was vomiting and sleeping more than usual. At first, they thought it might be a simple illness. As his symptoms worsened, they brought him to the doctor for testing. Harlan declined quickly, and the family was sent to the emergency room. A CT scan revealed a devastating discovery: a 7-centimeter tumor in Harlan’s brain.
He was immediately transferred to Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. Up until that moment, Harlan had been meeting all of his developmental milestones. He had not shown any signs of being sick. Hearing that their baby had cancer was overwhelming for Kelsey and Dylan. “We thought, are we ever going to take Harlan home?” Kelsey remembered.
One of the first people they met at Golisano Children’s Hospital was their social worker, Sara. She walked them through the support Four Diamonds provides, including financial assistance and comprehensive support. In the middle of fear and uncertainty, knowing that all of Harlan’s medical expenses would be covered eased a tremendous amount of stress. Four Diamonds also connected Harlan to services like play and music therapy, which helped make procedures and long days in the hospital a little more manageable.
Harlan’s treatment began immediately. He underwent six months of inpatient care, a craniotomy, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. After enduring so much, it finally seemed like he was making progress. Then, in April 2025, his cancer relapsed. His current treatment plan includes seven days a month of therapy in the outpatient clinic as well as daily oral chemotherapy at home.
Since his diagnosis, life has been filled with hospital stays, medications and constant adjustments. It is far from the life his parents imagined for him. Even so, Kelsey and Dylan focus on the moments that bring joy. They celebrate snuggles, smiles and the small victories that remind them how strong Harlan is.
Harlan’s cancer does not carry a positive prognosis. That reality is incredibly difficult for any family to face. Still, Kelsey and Dylan hold onto hope wherever they can. Kelsey remembers one moment early in treatment when doctors told them that Harlan might stop eating. Instead, he continued to breastfeed and eat throughout treatment. “Everyone was shocked,” she said. “He did so well with it.”
Their gratitude for the people who care for Harlan grows every day. Child life specialists distract him during procedures and port access. Music therapy fills his treatment time with songs and comfort. Nurses, doctors, ancillary staff and their social worker continue to support their family in meaningful ways. “We have been taken aback by all the support from friends, family and the hospital staff,” Dylan shared. “We could not do it without them.”
Through all of the challenges, Kelsey and Dylan hold tightly to the joy that Harlan brings to their lives and to everyone around him. “We would not change having him,” Kelsey said. “He has brought us so much joy and love.”
Harlan will continue receiving treatment as he works to conquer cancer. His parents look forward to the day they see him walk on his own and experience life the way every child deserves. Cancer is not the life any two-year-old should have to navigate, but Kelsey and Dylan are determined to give Harlan as much love, comfort and normalcy as they can every single day.
To learn more about how Four Diamonds helps families like Harlan's while facing childhood cancer, click here.