A Young Maine Boy’s Heart of Gold and the Battle for His Life

In those quiet moments when we think life is going pretty well, everything can change in an instant. I had the chance to speak with Kristina, the mother of a brave young boy from Maine named Riley Wheaton, whose life has changed forever.

Riley is a bright, talented, energetic young boy from Maine, living a happy and healthy life when at the end of September, everything took an unexpected turn.

Riley was met with a sudden heart failure which landed him in a battle for his life.
In just a matter of days, this courageous little boy found himself being life flighted to Boston on October 1st, as Kristina told me.

Krystle Bowden Photography

This entire journey has been nothing short of tough but also extremely inspiring.

Riley was placed on an ECMO circuit to give his heart time to heal and for weeks the family fought to stay positive. They hoped and prayed this was all related to a common virus called enterovirus.

Riley's strength was tested.

By January 10th, Riley's condition worsened. Fluid had built up, this time around his heart and left lung and then came the devastating news.

Riley was diagnosed with Angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

But, this did not break his spirit.

In fact, his spirit has earned him the epic nickname, "The GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) among people who know him. And I am confident that after this, we will all also call him the GOAT. Because, well he is.

After talking to Kristina she shared that now Riley is undergoing chemotherapy at Boston Children’s Hospital.

He is surrounded by family who is not only giving everything they have but also spreading love to others.

Riley's heart is so big that he has already paid it forward and gifted toys and money to other children waiting for heart transplants. His family is leaning on each other, the love of their community, and the hope that this fight will soon be over.

Kristina is also a nurse at St. Joe's and is unable to work right now, while her husband must leave soon to support their family and keep their insurance.

Their 12-year-old son, Brady, is feeling the weight of this tough journey, but through it all, Riley’s spirit shines brightly.

Here’s what I witnessed on Kristina's Facebook page, that brought tears to my eyes: the outpouring of support from the community has been truly overwhelming, especially from the children. With bakes sales and so many young boys shaving their heads in solidarity, while girls are donating their hair.

The incredible love and support from Riley’s friends is nothing short of magical.

And it's no secret that Riley loves baseball, especially the Red Sox!

We all know how terribly expensive this can all be. The family does have a GoFundMe and if you are able to contribute, it will certainly help.

Please keep the Wheaton family in your hearts as they continue this fight, knowing that every prayer, every single kind word, and gesture helps to light up their way.

Here is a stunning gallery of the Wheaton family, captured by the talented Krystle Bowden, who traveled all the way from Maine to create these unforgettable memories through her lens.