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Aden's Story: Finding Strength Through Smiles

Every journey has its turning point. For Aden Castro, it began with something as small as a lump on his shin. What seemed like a minor issue, quickly escalated into a life-changing experience. At first, a doctor dismissed the lump as possibly bursitis, a common condition. But when we pressed for a second opinion, it became clear that something more serious was happening. The lump was in the middle of his bone—not typical of bursitis—so we sought out a specialist.

 Before that appointment could even take place, something even more alarming happened: Aden’s leg gave out. What followed was a series of tests, including X-rays and CT scans, which revealed the devastating truth—Aden had cancer on his bone.

Within five days, we found ourselves at Huntsman Cancer Hospital. After a biopsy and numerous tests, Aden was diagnosed with solitary plasmacytoma, a rare condition that often leads to multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. Aden, a vibrant 25-year-old, had just entered a fight for his life.

 Aden’s battle was about to get more difficult. As part of his treatment, he began 25 days of radiation. For an active young man who had never imagined being sidelined in this way, it was incredibly tough. He had to remain sedentary, unable to put weight on his leg. As a parent, I struggled to find a way to keep his spirits up. I realized something: there was nothing available to help people like Aden, who were going through radiation or chemotherapy, to count down the days and stay positive.

That’s when I decided to get creative. I found a “Christmas Advent Calendar” with pink ducks. It wasn’t much, but each day, after his radiation session, Aden was able to open a box and discover a unique little pink duck. It was a small gesture, but it gave him something to look forward to each day and helped bring a smile to his face. That little moment of joy became part of his routine, a daily reminder that there was hope, even on the toughest days.

Now, after completing his radiation treatments, Aden is slowly on the path to recovery. We’re hopeful that his bone will regrow and eventually support his full body weight again. While he’ll need regular MRI scans and tests for the rest of his life, Aden has a fighting chance at a future. And most importantly, he’s learning how to smile through it all.

Everyday Smiles is a reminder that a smile a day can truly help keep the blues away. It’s about finding joy in the little things, even in the hardest of times. Aden’s journey is far from over, but with each smile, he’s one step closer to the future he deserves.