Logan’s journey began on Friday, 6 November 2009 at Pennsylvania Hospital. Born at 28 weeks gestational age, weighing 2 pounds and 4 ounces. With the tenacity expected of a new born at average gestational age, Logan developed with chronic asthma as the only indicator that was born a premie. The last six years have consisted of normal childhood development milestones, all met without incident. Logan’s is a personable and kind-hearted little girl, who loves to dance. As with little girls her age, Logan loves playing with dolls and dressing up like a princess. She has even developed a case of puppy love for a cute little boy named Luca, who lives a few doors away from her maternal grandmother. Logan is adored by family, friends, and acquaintances. All of whom comprise a village participating in her journey. On 24 February 2016 Logan was diagnosed with a brain tumor. (The only notable symptom was visual impairment, which was unremarkable until her eyes crossed.) As a result, Logan’s village enlarged to include a team consisting of a pediatric oncologist, pediatric neurosurgeon and various associated clinicians. The village has been rigorously advocating on her behalf, considering treatments both conventional and unconventional. A brain biopsy was performed on Monday, 4 April 2016 at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The biopsy confirmed the diagnosis --Grade IV astrocytoma or glioblastoma of the brain stem. This type of brain tumor is inoperable. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are six types of treatment used for childhood brain tumors: 1) surgery 2) observation 3) radiation therapy 4) chemotherapy 5) high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant and 5) targeted therapy. Logan’s options are few because of the rapid progression of the tumor and it’s location. The treatment plan recommended by the oncology team at CHOP is radiation therapy and chemotherapy five days a week. This within itself is a challenging hurdle to jump for anyone. It is a grueling hurdle for a little girl who is unable to fully comprehend her medical condition. The challenge for her clinicians and a matter of grave concern for her mother, Nakia, is the fact that Logan has undergone a brain biopsy and mask fitting at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and in both instances she stopped breathing during the procedure. During the former procedure Logan stopped breathing for approximately one minute. During the latter, she was intubated and placed on a ventilator overnight. Nakia requested a second opinion from St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The clinician opinion was in agreement with the CHOP recommended diagnosis and treatment plan. She has also begun a regimen of holistic treatments for Logan, which include a diet of low sugars and more fresh fruits and vegetables. Turmeric vitamins have also been added to Logan’s diet. At the time of this announcement Logan is taking prescribed steroids to counteract swelling of the brain. No other medically-recommended treatment has taken place. Nakia is faced with a very difficult decision in terms of treatment and her daughter’s quality of life as a result of the conventional treatment. She has researched and is pro alternative cancer care offered at clinics such as the Burzynski Clinic in Texas and the Connors Clinic in Minnesota. Unfortunately, Nakia is facing huge financial and regulatory hurdles, as she tries to gather clinical information, make an informed decision regarding which clinic will treat Logan. Logan’s life is hanging in the balance while insurance companies or Medicaid neglect to fund alternative cancer treatments. Nakia believes that Logan needs integrated care. She is requesting that supporters of alternative medical treatment visit the GoFundMe website, type Logan’s Journey to Beat Cancer in the search engine and make a donation today. A minimum of $30,000. is needed to start Logan’s journey to beat cancer. We have met 1/3 of our goal. We have very little time. Please act immediately! All proceeds will be used to cover expenses associated with Logan’s care. On Logan’s behalf, please accept our heartfelt thanks for your time and consideration! Date Submitted: Thursday, 5 May 2016 Submitted by: Nakia Robinson Sources: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, American Brain Tumor Association and the National Cancer Institute