Family Update – Our Van, Our Kids, and the Weight We Carry

In the midst of managing Malachi’s pain and traveling bi-weekly for his brain infusions, something unexpected shook our world even more. One evening while driving home, a deer jumped directly in front of our medical van. The impact was immediate — startling Malachi awake from a deep sleep and bringing Maleea to tears.

At first, we thought it was just hood damage and broken lights. But within days, the van began overheating and smoking until it could no longer be driven. Our insurance stepped in, and the van was towed. We assumed repairs would take about a week.

Instead, we got a call we never wanted: our beloved van of six years was totaled.

This wasn’t just any vehicle. It was our lifeline — big enough for wheelchairs, equipped to hang feeding tube machines so our kids could be nourished as they slept, spacious enough for medical supplies we always need on hand. It carried us through countless hospital trips, infusions, and emergencies. Losing it feels like losing an anchor in the middle of a storm.

We were blessed by a dear friend who drove  to gather our belongings, but now reality is setting in:

Our rental coverage is limited, and we’re already facing costs out of pocket.

Bi-weekly infusions continue, and we’ve added an additional infusion trial to help with pain management.

On top of that, we’re being forced to move homes as the property we’re renting has been put up for sale.

It feels like everything is stacking up at once, and truthfully — we are overwhelmed.

How You Can Help:
💜 Prayers and encouragement — they carry us more than words can say.
💜 Practical help — meals, gas cards, help with moving when the time comes. Move date Sept 15, out by Sept 30th
💜 Financial support — every bit helps us manage rental costs, unexpected expenses, and the urgent need for a new accessible van. 

We have been searching from Lynnwood to Spokane 
Within a 3-5 yr old range 
2020-2025

Two things, a van that has AWD & accessible for our kids medical needs & electric wheelchairs. Finding the right fit has become harder than I ever anticipated, and just getting anything will pose an issue in the future & future needs as we are on a fixed caregiver income, and our  totaled vehicle was paid off (no finacial payments monthly)

3 things we are looking at
Ideal for our family medical needs....

GMC Conversion Van (AWD)
Toyota Sienna Van (AWD)
Toyota Highlander Grand (AWD)

Other ways You Can Help:

Prayers & Positive Thoughts – Please keep lifting us up. The emotional and physical battles are heavy, and knowing we are not alone means everything.

Share Our Story – Awareness is one of our most powerful tools. Please share our updates so others can learn 

Previous updates (6months in one post) https://www.caringbridge.org/site/6e9a3c94-6918-334a-a497-15d7957d35a2/post/8118c881-a080-4074-93a9-bcc6168abb03?utm_source=website_share&utm_medium=share_button&utm_term=&utm_content=link_share_button&utm_campaign=post_php


We never imagined being here, but here we are. And we know we can’t do this alone. Thank you for loving us through the impossible and standing beside us in this fight.

With love and gratitude,
The Castillote's