London Rayne Clites

My darling friend, London and her family will return to St. Jude next week for surgery. London will have a second ommaya reservoir placed in her head. This is a permanent catheter placed in one of the cystic masses in her head. They will use it to drain fluid as needed. This surgery is very similar to the surgery she had in 2016 when she was four years old.

I know some of you will have questions, so here is some information on the type of tumors London has. Craniopharyngioma is a rare brain tumor found on or near the brain. This solid tumor may also contain cysts, which are fluid-filled spaces. The low-grade tumor grows slowly but can cause serious illness. These tumors often form very close to important parts of the brain, such as the optic pathway, which controls vision. Craniopharyngiomas can also affect hormone levels since they form near the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.

She and her family will be traveling back and forth over the holiday season, and reality is starting to set in for London. She dreads the second reservoir and doesn't want to shave a portion of her hair again. I ask that you continue praying for this precious, sassy girl. If there is anything you can donate, no amount is too small. We want to help this family through the next couple of tough months and are grateful for anything you can do.

Thank you all in advance, and I will do my best to keep you posted as we learn more.