A Circle of Support: The Kaczmarski Family’s Journey from Receiving to Giving Back

When Addyson first started having headaches in August of 2021, her family thought they were migraines. “Her headaches were getting worse, and she was experiencing vision issues along with vomiting,” her dad, Brian, explains. Doctors tried the standard migraine medications, but when her symptoms didn’t improve, a CT scan at a nearby hospital revealed something much more serious—a brain tumor.

Within hours of that discovery, Addyson and her family traveled from their home in rural New Richmond, WI, to Children’s Hospital Minnesota in Minneapolis. “Four days later, she was in surgery,” Brian recalls. “It was surreal, going from thinking we had a relatively healthy kid to realizing we were dealing with something pretty big.” Pathology later confirmed the worst: a grade 4 glioblastoma, a fast-growing, malignant tumor.

At the time of diagnosis Addyson was 15 and an energetic high school sophomore. Like most teens, she didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of what she was up against. “To be honest, I think she was in shock,” Brian says. “We were all scared, but my wife, Renee, and I wanted to keep things positive; that was just the road we chose to take.”

In the months that followed, Addyson and her mom leaned into their faith and Brian delved into research, looking up clinical trials and treatment options. “I would come to appointments with lists of questions,” he says. “Sometimes the doctors wouldn’t even know the answers to my questions, saying, ‘That’s some pretty extensive research’.”

The journey, challenging as it was, brought the family closer. “Blake, Addy’s older brother, was her rock and her hero,” Brian says. “He kept things lighthearted when Addy needed it most.” He adds, “We purposely gave all the kids time alone, because we knew that was what Addy wanted. She said it all the time: ‘I just want to be with my family.’”

Through everything, Addyson remained resilient. “She was probably the strongest of us all,” Brian recalls. “She was always the one comforting us, never losing her sense of humor, kindness, or empathy.” Her dad remembers Addyson as someone with a huge heart, always looking out for those who needed it most.

Partially because Brian is a coach at the local high school and Renee teaches at a nearby school, the community quickly rallied to support the Kaczmarski’s, organizing fundraisers, setting up meal trains, and offering financial support. “We didn’t have to lift a finger,” Brian shares gratefully. “Food, gas cards, and financial assistance just started showing up. The community took care of us. And it wasn’t just our friends—it was the entire town.”

As Addyson’s condition worsened, the family chose to focus on her comfort and spending quality time together. “There came a point where we knew what was coming, so we just focused on making memories,” Brian explains. “I don’t want to say there was a sense of peace, but there was a sense that everybody knew what was going to happen.”

Addyson’s passing on October 23, 2023, left a hole in the family, but they’ve found ways to keep her memory alive. Her sister Hallie created an annual fundraiser in her honor, and the family set up a scholarship at the high school. Brian even purchased two benches that have been placed in scenic spots near the water in their town, places where he and Addyson loved to fish. “If you’re having a tough day, you can go sit on Addy’s bench and hopefully it makes you feel better,” he says.

Their local coffee shop also renamed Addyson’s favorite drink, with a portion of the sale from each order going to support the nonprofit the family founded to help other families navigating similar struggles. “Addy would have wanted us to help others,” Brian said. “It’s a way of channeling our grief into something that can make a difference.”

Today, Brian and his family are still navigating their grief, each in their own way, but he offers this advice: “Everyone’s experience will be unique, but don’t let fear overshadow spending precious time with your child. Prioritize them, take the time off from work, and don’t be prideful or stubborn. Accept help, because whether you know it or not, you need it. And however you choose to grieve, I believe your mind and your body will tell you what to do. I really do.”