In Support of The Hewlett Family
Dave and Valeska (Vale) Hewlett live in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, and are raising two wonderful boys, Lucas (9) and Santiago (4). Recently, their world was turned upside down.
On September 13, 2026, Dave and Vale took their 4-year-old son, Santiago, to the doctor after noticing visible changes in his health. That same day, the doctor's delivered the news that Santiago has been diagnosed with leukemia.
On September 13, 2026, Dave and Vale took their 4-year-old son, Santiago, to the doctor after noticing visible changes in his health. That same day, the doctor's delivered the news that Santiago has been diagnosed with leukemia.
Dave has shared how hard this journey has been on his family physically, emotionally, and financially. Dave works for a local company but in order to support his family through the treatment process, he has taken leave from work.
The chemotherapy has been tough on Santiago. Nearly every day brings a new side effect, and Santiago's little body has struggled with the medication and with fighting off infection. As a result, his hospital stay has been extended. He has also been separated from his big brother Lucas the entire time, and that distance has begun to weigh heavily on his spirits.
Santiago belongs at home, curled up watching his favorite cartoons, Bluey and Charlie Brown, with his brother by his side.
Dave is exhausted, and he is doing everything he can to hold his family together while keeping his focus on his son. Your support will help ease the financial burden so the family can concentrate on what matters most: Santiago's treatment and recovery.
How you can help:
Please keep Santiago and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they face the road ahead. Our goal is to provide 90 days of financial support to the Helwett family so that they can focus on the health of their family. If you're able, please consider donating to a specific goal by selecting "Lend a Hand."
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and generosity.
Updates
Keep up to date as needs change.
Oct 21, 2026
Chapter 2: the new normal
Santiago had his first outpatient appointment this week. It was a r...
Oct 16, 2026
A Breath of Fresh Air
Five weeks doesn’t typically seem like a long time. But the last fi...
Oct 13, 2026
Even the Darkest Night Will End and the Sun Will Rise
A month ago, we didn't know much about Leukemia, and it really wasn...
- Created Oct 05, 2026
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Anonymous 5 days ago • with donation
Ellen Hassinger 17 days ago • on 'A Breath of Fresh Air' update
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Victoria Smith 17 days ago • on 'A Breath of Fresh Air' update