What a Christmas it was for Gadsden, Alabama’s own Kolten Jones. This 6-year-old boy, who has been bravely fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), is nothing short of a miracle. His incredible comeback has left everyone in awe, especially when you consider the prognosis he faced just one year ago.

Last December, Kolten was given the heartbreaking title of “The Sickest Kid In Alabama” by a doctor who feared the worst. He had been battling ALL, and his condition was deteriorating rapidly. His story began with a simple observation: his mother, Whitney Groover, noticed that her son was walking funny. At first, it seemed like a minor issue, but it quickly became apparent that something much more serious was at play. A series of tests revealed that Kolten was suffering from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.

Kolten’s journey into treatment started almost immediately, with a two-and-a-half-year chemotherapy regimen that would challenge him in ways no child should have to face. But that was only the beginning of the trials he would endure. The road ahead was filled with countless challenges, each one harder than the last. And yet, through it all, Kolten remained strong, showing an unbreakable will to survive.

As the chemotherapy treatments began, things took a turn for the worse. Kolten developed an infection caused by Viridans Strep, which quickly spread to his heart and lungs. It wasn’t long before his condition took a life-threatening turn. Kolten coded three times in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), a place that would become all too familiar to him. Doctors and nurses worked tirelessly to stabilize him, but his body seemed to be fighting every step of the way.

At one point, Kolten was hooked up to 34 different machines, each one helping to keep him alive. He was on a ventilator, his body struggling to breathe on its own. His kidneys were failing, and it seemed like every organ in his body was shutting down. As a last resort, Kolten was placed on life support through an ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) machine. This machine essentially took over the functions of his internal organs, keeping him alive when his body couldn’t do it on its own.

Despite the immense challenges, Kolten’s story of survival didn’t end there. He suffered a stroke that affected the left side of his brain, resulting in the loss of function in his right arm and leg. It was a devastating blow, one that added even more complexity to an already difficult situation. But through every setback, Kolten showed incredible resilience. He fought back when it seemed like there was no fight left in him. His doctors and nurses marveled at his strength, and so did his family.

Fast forward to today, and Kolten is on Phase 3 of his chemotherapy maintenance plan, a crucial step in his long and difficult battle against leukemia. His family is thrilled with his progress, and Kolten is looking forward to the New Year with hope and excitement, something that seemed impossible just a year ago.

Kolten’s mom, Whitney, sent me an update this morning that filled me with so much joy. She shared that Kolten had an “amazing Christmas” this year, filled with love and gifts from people who care deeply for him. Mission 44, The Pink Heals Firetruck, and many others made sure that Kolten’s holiday season was filled with joy, despite everything he’s been through. It was a beautiful reminder of how many people have rallied around this little boy, supporting him every step of the way.

Whitney also shared something incredibly significant: “Tomorrow will be a year that they turned off the ECMO machine. January 1st will mark one year since it was officially removed.” This milestone is nothing short of miraculous. To think that just a year ago, Kolten was fighting for his life, hooked up to life support, and now he is on the road to recovery, is a testament to his strength, his family’s unwavering faith, and the incredible medical team that never gave up on him.

Whitney’s message ended with a heartfelt expression of gratitude: “We will forever be grateful to the good Lord above.” It’s impossible not to feel the depth of her words. In a year that has been filled with so much pain and uncertainty, Kolten’s family has found strength in their faith, in the support of others, and in the unrelenting love they have for their son.

It’s incredible to hear that Kolten is doing better after what can only be described as a miraculous recovery. From being on the brink of death just a year ago to now being on the third phase of his chemotherapy plan, his story is nothing short of extraordinary. The power of hope, faith, and resilience is evident in every part of his journey, and it’s a story that inspires us all.

As we head into 2026, let’s continue to lift Kolten up in our prayers and support. He has shown us what true courage looks like, and his journey reminds us that no matter how tough life gets, there is always a reason to fight. Kolten’s spirit is a beacon of hope for so many, and as he continues to heal, we can all celebrate his progress and look forward to the bright future that lies ahead.

Let’s all send Kolten our best as he prepares for the year ahead, filled with continued strength, healing, and the promise of brighter days.

To support Kolten’s journey, you can visit his GoFundMe [link]. Your love and generosity make all the difference as he continues his remarkable comeback. Together, we can help him keep fighting and remind him that he is never alone on this journey.