We enjoyed dinner at west end tap house for my 37th with friends and family!!! Hayden ate to his hearts content!!! Love you bud

Thank you all who are following Hayden's journey through this site. As you can imagine, Christmas will be different this year for us no matter how you look at it. Hayden will have Christmas Day to enjoy with no chemo or radiation treatments, then we're right back on schedule with them. I'm not sure if I will update again before Christmas, but I wanted to let all of you know that YOU and your families are in our thoughts and prayers this holiday season. Count your blessing big and small, enjoy every minute of every day, Love,laugh and don't sweat the small stuff! Make a positive difference in someone's life.. You'll be amazed how good it will make you feel and how much it feeds your soul. Smile when you read this and know the decision you made to support us has helped us in many unexplainable ways and that we appreciate all of you so much! Thanks again from all of us and for sharing our Hope for Hayden! Happy holidays, The Jilkas

In route to treatment and marking another day off on his radiation chart. Still feeling good most of the time and keeping his spirits high!

We had a round of major dental work done at Stanford yesterday in preparation for the 5 straight weeks of radiation starting 12/10/14. Hayden did awesome through the surgery and recovery at Stanford and was very happy to be home last night. The last two days have been better for him as far as the stomach pains and lack of appetite...using less prescription drugs by over 80% and the results have been remarkable. We continue to remind him about his water intake and how important it is throughout his treatment and beyond for his health. He's continued to be a true warrior, never complaining unless in pain and jumping through every hoop the doctors have put in front of him without question. I thank The Lord every day for such awesome kids and for giving Hayden such a peaceful loving demeanor and great positive attitude about this whole ordeal. A friend recently told me that throughout this year I would be amazed at how well my son would handle everything...... It's been 5 weeks since starting chemo and I'm already in awe of my son with what he's been through. HE has now become my hero...not just my son Love you buddy! Dad

Thanks be to The Lord for giving us the one day on thanksgiving to enjoy with friends and family while Hayden was feeling great! Despite a low fever and some aches and pains we had an enjoyable day. Things progressed with his fever and stomach pains over Friday and Saturday and he really had no appetite and didn't even want to intake water. We attempted everything to keep him hydrated and at least nibble on some solid food to no avail. Sunday was a hard day. Between stomach pains, increasing fever and lack of food, Hayden seemed to be on a slippery downhill slope. We decided around 8pm to take him to the ER and get him some help since we had exhausted our options at home. They ran the usual gauntlet of tests...blood,urine,X-ray and found nothing. After rehydrating for a couple more hours and getting all the test results back we were released at 3am. Once home Hayden experienced some relief of his fever and pain, ate a little egg sandwich and was able to get to sleep at about 4:15. I awoke to find a smile on his face and the bright cheery attitude I have so greatly missed over this long holiday weekend. His will has not been crushed, there is still joy and happiness in his life...and definately a lot of love. We're starting to get deeper into this challenge by his side, and thus far he has been unbelievable while dealing with all the major changes our lives and his body are currently going through! Thanks for all the prayer and support everyone and to all that have donated to our wonderful sons cause!!! We've got this Hayden, we all love you so much and are right here for you buddy. ~Dad

Hayden woke me up early today like he's done in the past to ask if I'd like to spend some time with him before the "terror toddler" gets up, as he calls his brother. We built and finished a couple of lego projects he had and really enjoyed our time together. I'm reminded everyday and every moment spent with him how special he is and what a truly loving, caring and smart my little guy is!!! Such a BLESSING!!! Thank you lord for all you're doing in our lives right now!! I did notice a few stray hairs falling down Hayden's face, which I removed and then realized after grabbing a small chunk and it falling out that he has reached the point of losing his hair following his latest chemo round yesterday. He's ok with it, but wanted reassurance it would grow back and that I would keep my head shaved as long as he was in treatment and without hair...which I quickly agreed to! We will be having a head shaving party sometime this weekend after thanksgiving for all of Hayden's hardcore supporters to really show their support and shave their hair off. Thanks be to God for he is good!! Happy thanksgiving to you all!! ~ Nate

Hayden is doing well, living life and enjoying every day. He's continued to attend school while not in treatment and has enjoyed staying plugged in to class and interacting with all of his friends. We go back Wednesday for round 3 of treatment. So far he hasn't dealt with anything major that we haven't been able to help him with, and he's been eating and drinking for the most part very well. We continue to pray for Gods hand of amazing healing to be laid on him daily, and thank all of Hayden's friends, family and supporters for continual prayers!! Nate~

Hayden did exceptionally well with his second treatment yesterday. He was also very brave while the radiation department formed the mask over his face for his radiation treatments in the future. As parents couldn't be more proud of him for his courage through his treatment this far. We understand Hayden won't always feel the greatest from his treatments, but our positivity, love, support and unending faith will bring us all through this bump in the road. Again prayer for minimal side effects from his treatment, and healing of his body are our main requests. Thanks for your continued support!! Praise The Lord for the smooth day we had at Stanford yesterday! ~Nate

I'm sure many of you have read my latest FB posting about our family fundraiser party/horseshoe tourney. For those who haven't, we're looking for donations for an auction and/or raffle to raise some funds. Many of you may not have any extra money around to donate.... If you live in the Bay Area that's no surprise. But I want to let you all know there are other ways to help. If you have any connections for donation items or know anyone that may be able to help our cause please pass the word on. Our home address is on this site if you would like to mail or drop off any items for the event. The date is TBD at this point, but looking like possibly march sometime. Let's pull together and enjoy a great event for a good cause and have some fun!!! Picture is Hayden writing thank you cards to his supporters!!! God bless you all! Nate~