My 15-year-old, niece Marina Zamora (daughter of Gina Munguia-Zamora) never thought a regularly scheduled eye exam in March 2023 would change her life forever. For the past several years, what we all thought were headaches and tiredness due to “growing pains” were actually due to a Craniopharyngioma; a rare type of noncancerous tumor that was growing on her pituitary gland.

She underwent 2 surgeries that each took over 16 hrs. The first brain surgery, on May 1st 2023, was a Transsphenoidal procedure. The University of Michigan surgeons used special tools to enter Marina’s nasal cavity and remove the tumor through her nose. This surgery removed about 80% of the tumor. After a challenging recovery period, the U of M surgeons informed Marina they needed to perform another brain surgery. In August of 2023, Marina underwent a craniotomy and surgeons made an incision ear to ear to remove more of the tumor. After another challenging recovery, it was determined about 5% of tumor remained.

At this time, she is planning to undergo radiation daily for at least 6 weeks to remove as much of the remaining 5% of the tumor as possible. With each procedure, Marina is venturing into the unknown and navigating through each milestone and challenge, with a positive attitude and knowing eventually all will be good.

The next phase of Marina’s tumor journey is figuring out her “new normal” by determining how to balance her hormones, living without peripheral vision, lifelong tumor monitoring, and continue to be an excellent student with plans for college and graduate school.

Many people have expressed interest in supporting Marina through this life-changing medical event. In addition to the prayers we received from around the world, please keep those coming, any financial support you are able to contribute will be greatly appreciated.