Tennessee (Rhett's Promise)

As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children, from chasing away monsters under the bed to kissing scraped knees. Nothing prepares you for the moment you are told you cannot protect them, when even your deepest love cannot heal them.

In May 2024, our sweet Rhett was diagnosed with DIPG, an incurable brain tumor. Hearing the words, “There’s not much that can be done… go home and make memories,” shattered our world. How could something so cruel touch our incredible boy?

Rhett did not give up, and neither did we.

Hand in hand, he picked up his warrior sword and fought with a strength far beyond his years. Through every appointment, hospital stay, surgery, treatment, and medication, he never complained. He met every nurse, every doctor, and every challenge with a smile and a sincere, “Thank you so much.” Rhett was a rare and radiant soul, kind, brave, and full of joy, with the heart of a true fighter. Time and time again, when we were told, “this is it,” Rhett found a way to fight harder.

Throughout his journey, we were surrounded by incredible love and support, including the continued compassion and guidance from The Cure Starts Now. That support carried us through our darkest moments and continues to inspire us today.

In April 2025, our warrior traded his sword for wings. Our only comfort is knowing that Rhett is now free from pain, with no more pokes, hospital rooms, or treatments. He can rest peacefully, whole and healed.

One of the last promises we made to Rhett was that we would live each day in a way that would make him proud. We know in our hearts that this is the best way to honor our sweet boy while helping to fund the research that is so critical to finding a home-run cure. We can think of no better way to keep that promise than by supporting the fight to find a cure, while continuing to share Rhett’s light, love, and legacy.

The Cure Starts Now (501c3 Federal Non-Profit) is one of the only cancer foundations dedicated to a “homerun” cure for all cancers, starting first with one of the most deadly and difficult cancers: pediatric brain cancer. Many experts believe that the lessons we learn from fighting pediatric cancer may in fact provide us the critical first step in winning the battle against all forms of cancer, both pediatric and adult.