At just two years old, Kieran Odens is already a strong, independent little farm boy. Since we moved from St. Paul, MN, to Dell Rapids, SD in June, he has embraced farm life completely. You can usually find him carrying around a cat, talking to the piggies or trying to climb into their pen like he owns the place.

Kieran is persistent and loves fine-motor toys. He will sit for hours with his marble run, carefully placing each piece exactly where he wants it. He is also incredibly stubborn and determined — to the point that if Mom peels his banana “wrong,” he insists on starting over himself.

Music makes Kieran light up. He loves dance parties in our kitchen and singing “Let It Go” in his soft little voice. He often came home from seeing his “fwiends” at daycare singing a new song.

Most of all, Kieran adores his siblings. He follows them everywhere, tries to join their games and sometimes sabotages them just to be involved. His joy, curiosity and fierce independence are a big part of what makes him who he is.

On January 24th, 2026, our world changed when Kieran was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), high-risk category. It is a diagnosis no parent ever expects to hear. He has already started intensive chemotherapy and, somehow, is handling more than any two-year-old should ever have to face.

The road ahead will not be easy. Watching our baby fight battles meant for adults is something we never imagined. What makes this bearable is the strength Kieran shows every day and the love surrounding him from family and friends.

We are asking for help to reach our goal of $10,000 to support Kieran’s medical care and the many expenses that come with long-term treatment. Every dollar helps us focus on what matters most — keeping him safe, comfortable and surrounded by love. It also helps us give him more moments of laughter and normalcy in the middle of all of this.

Thank you for being part of Kieran’s journey and for supporting our family during the hardest time of our lives.

With heartfelt thanks,

Brian and Carley Odens

(and Emmerleigh, Callum, and Talise too)

To learn more, visit: https://www.caringbridge.org/site/2b8c9055-fc6d-11f0-81c9-2bb3b8a157f4