The saying it “it takes a village,” is one that that rings true for the Hackman family. In 2017, the Hackman family underwent one of the most difficult times, but through courage, love, and familial bond, the family was able to overcome a difficult chapter in their story.
The story began unexpectedly when Brooke Hackman took her son Christian for a routine check-up. What started as a typical visit quickly spiraled into a life-altering revelation.
“I think my machine’s acting up. I need to send you to Children’s Mercy and just get an accurate blood count,” the pediatrician informed her, leading to an urgent trip downtown where they would learn that Christian had cancer. The shock of receiving such devastating news was compounded by the fact that Christian exhibited no symptoms. It was a moment that turned their world upside down.
“We just decided to deal with it, I guess,” Brooke recalled. “I mean, it just wasn’t... we didn’t really have an option to stop and go.”
The family’s approach to this unexpected journey was a powerful testament to their unity. With every step, the couple provided a strong support system for their son.
“I think he kind of just put his trust in us, and we just got through it all together,” Brooke reflected, emphasizing the strength and love Brooke and her husband displayed at the time.
As the family grappled with the news and began treatment, they soon learned that Christian’s younger brother, Bennett, would play a pivotal role in this journey. When Bennet was just one year old, he was found to be a match for a bone marrow transplant, a life-saving gift that would come to define their family story.
“We made sure that he understood that he was a hero,” Brooke said, highlighting the importance of acknowledging Bennett’s contribution to Christian’s fight against cancer. The family made it a point to include Bennett in celebrations, ensuring he knew he was equally significant in their shared story.
Christian’s resilience shone through, even at a young age, having been diagnosed at four years old.
“He was a super mature four-year-old..." Brooke said. "We just explained to him that he was sick, and we needed to get this taken care of.”
Their family’s experience was not just about enduring a crisis; it became an opportunity for growth, learning, and creating deeper connections with other families going through the same experiences.
“I’m still in touch with a family that we went through treatment with whose daughter also received a bone marrow transplant at the exact same time [ as Christian],” Brooke recalled. “We just saw that little girl at Camp Quality the other day, so. I mean, that’s so rewarding and so awesome. So, yes, I believe it is a small community.”
“And even my husband and I have found ways to help other families that are going through similar circumstances. And, Christian, I don’t know if he’s quite there yet as far as that support for other kids, but, yeah, it definitely takes a village, and it’s important.”
The importance of community support played a significant role for the Hackman family, and it's one piece of advice Brooke would share with other families.
“Find yourself a support system made of individuals that build you up.” Through resources like Children’s Mercy, they found not just medical assistance but also emotional sustenance in the form of social workers and fellow families navigating similar paths.
Today, Christian is eleven years old and recently celebrated seven years in remission. He’s grown so much since his time as a Victory Kid in 2021.
“Yes. He is quite witty just for an 11-year-old,” Brooke shared. “We are so blessed because he’s such a kind, just a beautiful kid who we love seeing grow every single day. He still loves football. Loves playing with his friends. He just started middle school, and he’s enjoying it. So, honestly, he’s the kind of kid that is just a reward to have in every way.”
As Christian and Bennett continue to grow, Brooke describes their relationship as a typical sibling relationship—the chaos of brotherhood. Their playful fights and deep-seated love for one another remind us that even in the challenging moments, family provides the support to get us through.
Bennett has also grown quite a bit since his last visit to Children’s Mercy Park. The 9-year-old will walk along the pitch during Sporting KC’s Kick Childhood Cancer Match on September 18.
“Yes, I think he is the opposite of Christian,” Brooke shared of Bennett. “He’s a little bit more boisterous.”
The Hackman family is a story of family bonds and the village of support that emerges during life’s trials. It reminds us that while challenges may come unexpectedly, the love and strength found in family can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. As they continue to navigate life together, they embody the spirit of resilience and hope, proving that in the heart of every family lies an unbreakable bond.
