Running for Riley

As a Principal I have the opportunity to work with many incredible families. At our school we believe that kindness truly matters in this world and that we can be the people who bring out the good in those around us. We know that supporting eachother goes beyond the classroom walls. When I signed up to run the Detroit 1/2 marathon this year I wanted to run with purpose and I realized quickly that my purpose is my students and my school. So for this 1/2 marathon I'm running to help out one of the students at my school Riley. She's an incredible kid and I hope that my run will help her and her family. 

Riley is a 7 year old first grader at Monteith Elementary school. In her short life, she has faced many serious medical issues and has undergone 23 surgeries. Riley currently has a benign brain stem tumor. Riley's brainstem mass grew in her last scan. It is displacing her basilar artery now. Because of the location of the mass, it's not safe to operate and attempt removal until it starts causing more problems for Riley (such as physical, cognitive impairments).

There have been many articles and studies regarding hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy and the healing effects of it. Riley has used hyperbarics in the past to help with wound healing, seizure control and other medical issues. It has been recommended by two of her doctors that she receive hyperbarics in an intensive treatment plan. This will consist of 40 sessions in a row at 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy is not covered by insurance and is very expensive (they are $170 a piece when we purchase 40 at a time). She need 2 rounds of 40 treatments intensively and then will do hyperbarics 2-3 times per week after that.