STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Halloween is a time cherished by many of the Staten Island’s residents, young and old alike, and for Bloomingdale resident Hunter Dobson, 8, the holiday has always been a particular favorite.
But after receiving some truly scary news, celebrating with tricks and treats is not all that easy.
Despite the health challenges faced by this young warrior, with the help of his family, Dobson is able to enjoy the festive season of frights in his own special way. In keeping the season alive for Hunter, the family has once again put together a Halloween display that not only brings him joy, but also raises funds for a non-profit that assists children living through emergencies.
Meet Hunter Dobson
At the age of 5, Dobson was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a form of childhood cancer. Hunter has since fought valiantly and rang the bell to signify completion of treatment earlier this year. However, in September 2024, the family received more disheartening news when Hunter was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare disease in which certain white blood cells — histiocytes and lymphocytes — attack other blood cells, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. These abnormal blood cells subsequently pool in the spleen and liver, causing them to enlarge.
As explained in a GoFundMe for Dobson, he has faced two flare ups as a result of HLH, inflammation in his brain and nervous system, as well as numerous nodules in both lungs.
This photo shows Hunter Dobson outside his haunted house, located at 54 Renee Place in Graniteville on Oct. 19, 2025.(Owen Reiter for the Advance/SILive.com)
Doctors believe that, as of Thursday, the disease is largely under control for the moment, as noted by Joann Trocchia, 64, Dobson’s grandmother. While a positive development, Trocchia also shared the news that Dobson’s immune system is in a vulnerable state due to chemotherapy. Moreover, the young boy may require a bone marrow transplant.
In an effort to protect him, Dobson is being homeschooled and his family is limiting exposure to large groups.
“Hunter is the sweetest kid,” Trocchia said of her grandson. “He’s just — he’s amazing, he’s very kind, he’s very good-hearted. He’s like a good boy, you know? He’s a good boy.”
These struggles and relative isolation is something no child should have to endure, but fortunately, he has a loving family backing him every step of the way. The latest manifestation of this love has taken the form of Hunter’s Haunted Horror House, at 54 Renee Place in Graniteville.
Hunter’s Haunted Horror House
During the month of October, Dobson stays at his grandma’s house on Renee Place for the weekend. Knowing the health restrictions her grandson faces, Trocchia decided to turn her front yard into a gathering spot for ghouls and werewolves alike.
“This is his Christmas,” Trocchia told the Advance/SILive.com. “You know, he loved it since he was a baby.”
“He always wanted to go see the decorations and when we found out he got sick, we were like, you know, ‘would you like us to make you a display?’ and he said ‘yes,’” she added.
Hunter’s Haunted Horror House located at 54 Renee Place in Graniteville as pictured on Oct. 19, 2025.(Owen Reiter for the Advance/SILive.com)
Hunter’s Haunted Horror House began in 2024 and is returning for its second year. Housed beneath and around a tent situated at Trocchia’s residence are 40 animatronics that breathe life into the horrifically-festive display.
When Hunter first learned that he was to have a horror house of his own, guess what made the Christmas list? More Halloween decorations. Trocchia recalls how family members rallied around Hunter to purchase different additions to the homemade haunted house.
“Everybody comes and just helps out to put it together and take it down, it’s a family thing — and Hunter is the conductor,” said Trocchia.
Spreading cheer and raising money for a cause
In addition to bringing joy into Hunter’s life, the exhibit brings seasonal cheer to Staten Island families, who are invited to visit on weekends.
Hunter’s Haunted Horror House located at 54 Renee Place in Graniteville as pictured on Oct. 19, 2025.(Owen Reiter for the Advance/SILive.com)
Aside from spreading smiles through spooks, the house also serves as a fundraiser for different initiatives. This year, Trocchia explained that the house is raising money for Emergency Children’s Help Organization (ECHO), a non-profit program that provides financial assistance to children experiencing a medical or living emergencies.
Kenny Dobson, 38, Hunter’s father, works at Costco, and given that Hunter recently became an older brother to six-week-old Ronan, Kenny took time away from work. But now, Kenny may not be able to return to Costco just yet, as he may be the bone-marrow donor for his son. Given Hunter’s immunocompromised state, the family is doing its best to avoid catching an illness.
Despite his susceptibility, Hunter does not let his infirmity haunt him. When guests do come to visit, the master of monsters throws on a mask and will sometimes proudly lead visitors through his realized vision of the Halloween spirit.
Hunter’s Haunted Horror House is located at 54 Renee Place in Graniteville. It is pictured on Oct. 19, 2025.(Owen Reiter for the Advance/SILive.com)
“You know, everything that my grandson is going through, this is the only thing that really puts a smile on his face; he loves it, he just loves it,” Trocchia told the Advance/SILive.com.
“If I tell him ‘hey, go give this person a tour, let him know,’ and he’ll go in and he’ll tell you everything about all the animatronics,” she added. “It’s unbelievable.”
Among the most cherished animatronics in Hunter’s collection is one by the name of “Trixie,” a recent gift from his grandparents.
In emphasizing just how much the holiday means to her grandson, Trocchia said: “You know, he’s been in the hospital so many times, this poor baby, that we weren’t sure he was going to be here and he wasn’t going to be in the hospital. And I told my daughter, ‘listen, if he’s in the hospital on Halloween — November — I am keeping this stuff up until November. Like, I am not letting him not see this.’”
Hunter’s Haunted Horror House located at 54 Renee Place in Graniteville as pictured on Oct. 19, 2025.(Owen Reiter for the Advance/SILive.com)
Families are invited to come visit Hunter’s Haunted Horror House on weekends.
To support Hunter and the Dobson family, visit his GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/aid-hunters-fight.
To support Emergency Children’s Help Organization, you can either scan a QR code at Hunter’s Haunted Horror House or visit https://echoorganization.org/donations/hunters-spooky-halloween-fundraiser/.
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