Support for Owen's Brain Mass Treatment

Owen Shipman (son of Lillian Yavits and Mike Shipman, stepson of Frank D'Agostino) is a sixteen year old from Ithaca, NY. He has been dealing with progressive headaches and dizziness for about a month and a half.

.On May 1, an MRI showed a lesion or mass in his cerebellum (part of the brain), and he spent the following week at the pediatric ICU at Upstate Medical Center to manage his immediate symptoms that were caused by hydrocephalus. He had a shunt placed in his brain to relieve the pressure and he was discharged on Saturday May 6. While at Upstate he was diagnosed with a very rare disease that would require very little management other than the shunt. This diagnosis has proven to be incorrect. Two days after he was initially discharged from Upstate, his symptoms began to return and was readmitted to have the shunt adjusted. He stayed at Upstate for an additional 3 nights. When he got home it was evident that his balance was now being affected and none of his symptoms were improving. Additionally, MRI results from that morning, which were not reviewed with his parents while at Upstate were concerning. His parents rushed him to NY Presbyterian in New York City where he was immediately admitted to the Pediatric ICU to monitor and manage the mass and possible complications from the shunt.

There is a lot we don't know yet. Owen is set for surgery on Monday. They will do a biopsy and investigate the integrity of the shunt. This means mass removal would be a different time if it's determined that it is needed. We are hopeful he will have a complete and accurate diagnosis soon. He may be in the hospital for weeks.

All of Owen’s parents plan to stay with him during this scary time while navigating the medical unknowns, treatments and recovery This fund is to cover Owen’s upcoming medical bills, as well as lost wages, housing, and meals for Lillian and Frank. Currently, there are no rooms available at Ronald McDonald House. Lillian will be unable to work while caring for and will only be making a portion of her normal income while on Family Medical Leave. We have raised the original fund goal, as the realization of how fast things are adding up has set in. If there is any money left once this initial hospitalization and treatment are done, that money will be used to support follow-up/future medical needs.

Anything you can contribute will be enormously appreciated.