We don’t always think of life that way, but in the background of our most pivotal moments—both heartbreaking and hopeful—numbers quietly shape the story. 

The chance of rain on your wedding day. The odds of being born in a leap year. The probability of a rare diagnosis. The odds that your child will be one of fewer than 70 people in the world to face an incurable, unpredictable genetic condition.

That’s the game Liam’s family has been playing since the beginning.

From the time he was a baby, something felt off. Liam didn’t sit up until nine months. He didn’t crawl, babble, or interact with other children like his siblings. His doctors repeated the same phrase too many times to count: Wait and see. But time didn’t solve anything—it only raised more questions.

Then, in June 2021, Liam’s health took a terrifying turn. He was hospitalized after a sudden and severe regression. The doctors didn’t know what was happening but whatever it was, it wasn’t good. They told his parents to prepare for the worst. He might not survive childhood, they said. If he did, he would lose the few abilities he had. They couldn’t give a clear diagnosis—only guesses and four possible diseases. No certainty. No roadmap. No odds you’d want to bet on.

For six months, Liam’s family lived in limbo, caught between possibility and fear, and waiting for specialists and genetic tests while trying to hold on to hope. In November 2021, the results finally came in: MSL3, a de novo genetic neurological disorder so rare, Liam was only the 45th known case at the time. Today, that number still hovers between 60 and 70 worldwide.

For a military family, any medical diagnosis brings layers of complexity. For a family like Liam’s—where his dad serves in the U.S. Air Force, and relocations come with the job—it can be even harder. 

Each move means starting over: new therapists, new doctors, new waitlists, and new gaps in care. When your child needs highly specialized support, access isn’t just about proximity, it’s about probability. And more often than not, the numbers just don’t fall in your favor.

Liam has global developmental delays and severely limited motor function. He can’t get down to the floor or move independently, yet. He doesn’t have protective reflexes, so even a small fall can be dangerous. Every part of daily life—getting dressed, eating with utensils, climbing into the car—is a task that requires help. 

He wants to play with other kids, but it’s tough to keep up. Most children his age don’t have the patience or understanding to adapt their games to include him. His body doesn’t work the way theirs do. But his mind? His spirit? They shine.

Liam is resilient. He’s joyful. He’s hungry for connection and curious about the world.

He also loves music, vehicles, Blippi, and his dogs. He’s happiest when he’s close to his mom and when there’s good food on the table (so relatable). He tries, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

Liam’s effort paid off in a big way when his family found a specialized therapy program that changed the trajectory of his development. At a previous physical therapy intensive, Liam made real progress and reached goals he hadn’t been able to achieve through years of traditional therapy. 

For the first time, his family saw hope: a path forward where gains were possible, where his condition didn’t get to write the entire story.

But then life got in the way.

The family had to relocate again. Insurance didn’t cover virtual sessions and the intensive program wasn’t nearby. Like so many military families navigating rare medical challenges, they found themselves out of options.

That’s where Chive Charities comes in.

This spring, we received hundreds of applications for support—each one unique, each one worthy. We were able to say yes to 15 recipients, awarding $480,500 in total impact.

Liam was one of them.

With a $4,212 grant from Chive Charities, Liam will attend a two-week therapy intensive at Beyond Measure Pediatric Therapy in Perry, Georgia. There, he’ll receive personalized, concentrated care designed specifically for children with complex neurological conditions like MSL3. With access to this program, Liam can build strength, improve mobility, and take steps—both literal and symbolic—toward greater independence and safety.

For a family that’s been up against long odds from the start, this time, the numbers worked in their favor.

And here’s the thing: you helped make that happen.

Chive Charities exists because of people who believe in doing good. Who believe in small miracles. Who believe that even when the odds are tough, together we can change the game. If everyone reading this gave just $5, we could fund more grants, say yes more often, and make room for more kids like Liam. 

It’s a numbers game. But with every donation, every share, every ounce of belief—you help stack the odds in the right direction. Be part of the life-changing movement with us and DONATE HERE.