Hope for Halle

On Tuesday, May 3, 2016, Halle Ritchie was diagnosed with 5x7 cm malignant tumor that originated in the head of her pancreas. It has grown and spread into the duodenum and the portal vein. It is also pressing against her stomach and bile duct. She has received one surgery in Roanoke, Va to implant a stent into her bile duct to help relieve the pressure in her liver and gallbladder. They were able to remove several cells from the tumor during her biopsy. They were sent to Duke Medical Center for pathology, and we have determined that the tumor we are dealing with is called a pancreatoblastoma.

A group of pediatric surgeons have determined the tumor is currently inoperable due to the proximity to the portal vein. The portal vein is essential to life, and the primary vein that conveys blood to the liver from the spleen, stomach, pancreas, and intestines. We are hoping that the tumor will be receptive to chemo and/or radiation and shirk away from the portal vein. However, if it does not, she will remain inoperable and we will do our best to make her comfortable.

Unfortunately, the cost of the medical care is adding up quicker than we're able to handle, and we would love your help keeping her and her loved ones going during this difficult time. 

The use of this money would be limited to medical expenses.

This need is rather immediate and it's length is unknown.

We can't thank everyone in our family and community enough for the outpouring love and support we've already recieved. We certainly could not do this with out you all. Halle Grace is one of the strongest and most stubborn people I know and is determined to "kick cancer's ass!"