Reese is one of a kind. As early as preschool, he has been called an “old soul” and very precocious. He is super witty, funny, and charming. When he takes an interest in something, he is all in. Throughout his 7 years he has become an expert in the areas of: construction machinery, sharks, presidents, and more recently, sports data.

In 2022, Reese had a protruding stomach that didn’t go away or get better with time. His parents scheduled an appointment with his pediatrician, but a few days before he spiked a fever that lingered so they pushed up his appointment as soon as possible – a difficult feat during the peak of COVID-19. Once there, his pediatrician didn't waste any time sending them to Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Two days and an MRI later confirmed what Reese’s family would never have guessed in a million years – he had a tumor that turned out to be cancer.

The day after he was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, Reese had surgery to remove his kidney. From there he underwent 33 weeks of active treatment including 19 chemotherapy sessions, eight days of radiation, weekly blood draws, and numerous scans over the course of seven months.

In September 2022, Reese entered remission the day before his 5th birthday. Ever since, he has had clear scans, no evidence of disease detected, and will continue follow-up appointments until 2027 when he will hopefully transition to survivorship status.

“I hope he knows how strong he is,” said Katelyn, Reese’s mom. “He has shown such resilience and positivity throughout the entire journey so far. He has inspired and touched others in a way that brings joy to my heart. I hope that he continues to help and impact others in a meaningful way as he grows. My dream is that he lives a long, happy life.”

Katelyn also detailed why Reese is her hero: “Why isn't he my hero? He has persevered through tough, difficult times and often finds sparks of joy in the moment,” she shared. “One time he had to get two separate pokes (shot, IV, injection, etc.) and instead of being upset about it, he was excited that he would get two prizes!”

Katelyn also shared how the childhood cancer diagnosis experience has felt and offers words of advice to others who may also be facing a similar diagnosis: “It's tough. There is no way to sugar coat it. The best advice I received was to take it a day at a time, an hour at a time, or even a minute at a time.”

During Reese’s treatment, they met another family that was also diagnosed with Wilms tumor. Unfortunately, while Reese received a more “favorable” Wilms tumor diagnosis, the child they met was diagnosed with an “unfavorable” Wilms tumor with a poor prognosis. He ultimately lost his battle to cancer. “It is our hope that one day there will be a cure for EVERY type of cancer. That no family has to lose a child to the disease,” said Katelyn.

To Katelyn and her family, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is hope. They initially reached out for a Childhood Cancer Guide book that detailed Reese’s type of cancer when searching the internet became more overwhelming than helpful. “It was and is especially helpful to answer questions that come up,” Katelyn said.

For Reese, Katelyn, and their family, they see progress being made through ALSF, and are hosting their own lemonade stand this year to pay it forward and help other families going through what they did.

Information provided by Katelyn F., Reese’s mom
Updated July 2025