One night, 11-year-old Xavier was at football practice.

By 5 the next morning, his mother Jessica was sitting on the floor of a Texas emergency room after hearing a word no parent ever wants to hear about their child: cancer.

Jessica says it all started with what the family believed might be sciatica. Xavier had been complaining about pain in his leg while preparing for his fourth and final season with the Comfort Youth Football League. Then his symptoms became more concerning. His leg grew increasingly tight and swollen. After several medical visits, Jessica continued pushing for more answers.

Eventually, additional testing revealed multiple masses in Xavier’s pelvis. Doctors became concerned about lymphoma and transferred him to a pediatric hospital in San Antonio for further evaluation. More imaging reportedly showed another mass in his chest, located between his rib cage and heart.

A biopsy was performed. His family says the results confirmed that Xavier has cancer, although doctors are still determining the specific type of lymphoma.

Now Xavier is undergoing the procedures needed to prepare for treatment, including placement of a chemotherapy port, a bone marrow biopsy, and a spinal tap. His family says treatment will begin once doctors have the information they need.

Through it all, Jessica says her son remains strong. His friends and football coach are helping keep his spirits up, even as his life has suddenly changed.

Just days ago, Xavier was thinking about football season. Now he is preparing for a completely different fight.

Source: Family update shared by Xavier’s mother, Jessica.