Monday, July 17th - Kian James, an elite 11-year-old soccer and futsal player, sprints to goal as the pass is slotted to him. In one move, he twists and flicks it low to the far post, inches past the charging goalkeeper… Goal. Just like all the others.

Tuesday, July 25th - Kian is immediately started on chemotherapy, as the acute T-Cell Leukemia is already starting to attack his organs. 

In 8 days… Everything changed. 

A fast and fluid forward for FC New England, Kian was starting for his U12 team during the group stages of the Gothia Cup – Youth World Cup in Sweden. Few 11-year-olds have reached this level of the sport, and Kian’s dynamic style of play caught everyone’s eye. The matches started on Monday and Kian and his team we’re holding a strong 2nd place in their group. 

 It was during Wednesday’s game when Kian collapsed on the pitch without warning. Struggling to breathe, Kian was rushed to Queens Silvia Children’s Hospital in Sweden, where he was treated and released. The doctors assumed it was jet lag, or a virus, or perhaps a combination of both. Whatever it was, Kian couldn’t shake his fever. The numbness in his extremities persisted. And he was very, very weak. 

36 hours ago, Kian was gliding down the pitch, cutting past defenders with ease… And now he needs help to stand on his own. Michelle and Tennyson James, Kian’s Mom + Dad, were worried.  

The James family raced Kian home to The States on Sunday night. The 13-hour flight home was incredibly difficult for Kian, with some scary moments that made Tennyson and Michelle shocked at what was happening to their son.

On Monday, July 24th, Kian’s primary care doctor sees him for the first time. Concerned by his condition, she recommends they get him to Scottish Rite Hospital for testing. They go directly to Scottish Rite.

That Monday evening, the doctors at Scottish Rite sit Michelle and Tennyson down… Acute T-Cell Leukemia. Kian needed to start chemotherapy the very next day, as the cancer was already attacking the organs in his body. He has been in the ICU ever since. 

In just one single week… It came right out of nowhere.  We are all shocked and still in disbelief. 

But this kid… This kid is strong. This kid is fast. This kid is the one you give the ball to, because you need that equalizer. This kid has been down before… And that only makes him go harder. 

It’s going to be the fight of your life, Kian. But you’ve got this. And you know what? You won’t have to fight alone, because we’ve got you. All of us, united and strong, are stepping out on that pitch with you, brother… 

AND WE ARE ON THE ATTACK.