Quinn Brunette is the kind of kid who lights up every room he enters. Silly, spirited, and endlessly optimistic, he’s known for his ability to stay upbeat, even when facing challenges that would be tough for anyone—let alone a seven-year-old.

Whether he's reading a book, playing sports, or exploring the outdoors with the family dog, Quinn approaches everything with a sense of joy and curiosity. His dad, Dusty, describes him as having a hugely positive attitude, "Even when it's something that could be frustrating, he's always happy and smiling."

That unwavering optimism would soon become one of Quinn’s greatest strengths—because just as he was enjoying the simple joys of childhood, life threw him and his family an unexpected challenge.

In June of 2022, life changed for Quinn and his family. What began as aches and pains in his bones—something that initially seemed like growing pains or a minor injury—quickly became more concerning. After a series of x-rays, and bloodwork, Quinn’s parents still didn’t have answers. Some weekends, he was so exhausted he would sleep all day, something completely out of character for their usually active, energetic boy.

When Quinn continued to struggle with lingering pain after a simple fall, his parents knew something was seriously wrong. A third round of blood tests revealed alarming results, and within hours, the hospital called with devastating news.

"It was the worst news I've ever gotten in my life," Dusty recalled.

Quinn was immediately admitted to the oncology department at the children's hospital, just days before his birthday. Tests confirmed the diagnosis: acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia.

Those early days were filled with fear and uncertainty. The nearest hospital was almost two hours away, but Quinn never once complained about the long drives. In fact, he met every challenge with the same cheerful attitude that had always defined him.

One of the most extraordinary examples of Quinn’s resilience came during his treatments: because of an allergy to anesthesia, he underwent 26 spinal taps while awake—something his care team said would have been nearly impossible for most patients his age.

"He was the perfect patient," Dusty said. "He made it so easy."

Through it all, Quinn remained a beacon of strength for his family. And when the time came for a new chapter, they embraced it wholeheartedly—ready to turn the page toward something brighter.