At just one year old, little James is full of energy.

He loves splashing in water, riding in his dad’s car, cuddling his puppy Lucy, and dancing around the house to his favorite songs. Family members joke that he acts like “the energizer bunny” because he is always moving, always smiling, and always ready to play.

But behind the joyful toddler moments is a heartbreaking medical journey his parents never saw coming.

When James was only six months old, his father Kevin was making breakfast while his wife Katie was away on a business trip. Suddenly, he heard a strange sound and turned to find his baby boy turning bluish and losing consciousness.

Terrified, Kevin managed to wake James before rushing him to the emergency room.

Doctors later confirmed the infant had experienced a seizure. Soon afterward, his parents realized the “freezing episodes” they had noticed for weeks were not harmless baby behavior as they first believed.

An MRI then revealed devastating news — a large mass had been found on the right side of James’ brain.

The little boy was diagnosed with anaplastic oligodendroglioma, a rare and aggressive brain tumor.

“It felt like our world stopped,” his mother Katie shared. “One minute we were normal first-time parents, and the next we were hearing words no family ever expects to hear about their child.”

James underwent emergency surgery, and doctors successfully removed the tumor. Because of his extremely young age, the family decided to delay additional treatment and hoped the worst was behind them.

But more than a year later, a routine MRI delivered another crushing blow.

The tumor had returned in the exact same place.

James underwent a second brain surgery, facing yet another frightening battle before most children even learn to speak in full sentences.

Now, after two craniotomies, the toddler is preparing for proton radiation therapy at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where treatment is expected to continue for several weeks.

Despite everything he has endured, James continues to amaze his parents with his resilience.

“He still laughs, dances, hugs us, and finds joy in the smallest things,” Katie said. “Kids are stronger than we realize.”

The family says music has become one of James’ greatest comforts. Whether he’s listening to Roddy Ricch, Surfaces, or Feist, the little boy never misses a chance to move to the beat.

Katie admits there are moments when the fear feels overwhelming, but she has learned to focus on one moment at a time.

“People tell you to take life day by day,” she explained. “But sometimes you can only survive minute by minute.”

She now encourages other parents facing difficult diagnoses to allow themselves to hope, even during the hardest moments.

“Prepare for the worst, but never stop hoping for the best,” she said. “Miracles happen every single day.”

Through the support of organizations like Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, James’ family says they’ve found comfort in knowing they are not fighting alone.

And while the future remains uncertain, one thing has never changed inside their home:

There are still puddles to jump in, dance parties to enjoy, and a little boy determined to keep smiling through it all.