Blake Schroeder

Two questions, “Will I ever get to play baseball again?” and “ Will my hair ever grow back if I need chemo?” were my 15 year old nephew, Blake’s questions to his doctor after his devastating diagnosis of a glioma tumor located smack dab in the middle of his brain, in the 3rd ventricle.

My name is Kimberly Bythrow and my nephew, Blake Schroeder, is having his 3rd brain surgery since July of this year, in Early November. Originally, the doctors said the tumor was in operable, and that Blake would need chemotherapy to keep the tumor from growing. Because the tumor was not cancerous it would not shrink, but the chemo would ensure that the tumor doesn’t grow any larger from the walnut size it is currently. After many collaborations, from many doctors, in many states, one surgeon looked at Blake’s scans and determined he could go in through the front part of his brain and remove the tumor once and for all.

Blake is headed into Le Bonhuer Children’s Hospital/St Judes to have the glioma removed. Blake’s surgeon practices at this hospital, but is not employed by them, so the procedure will be billed through the family’s insurance, and services are not free like they typically are at Saint Jude’s. This is what moved me to start this fundraiser for the family, as medical bills are expensive and add up quickly.

Blake, my younger sister's child, is a wonderful, strong, young man! he has not complained once about his diagnosis. He’s supposed to be going to homecoming dances, hanging out with his friends, and playing baseball. Not having to process either life long chemotherapy or removing a tumor from his brain with a chance of complications. He has the biggest heart and genuinely cares about everyone around him. He always puts others first and now he needs our help! No child should have to go through this. If you could see it in your heart to make a donation to Blake Schroeder’s, medical bills, myself, and our family would be eternally grateful. May God bless all of you, and God bless my gorgeous nephew, Blake, Damon Schroeder. We know he will come through this with flying colors.❤️ Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every little bit helps.

Unfortunately my sister received bad news about Blake and they will be on their way back to Memphis for treatments. Blake has been diagnosed with a rare primary glial brain tumor called a supratentorial ependymoma which originates in the ventricles of the brain. He will now need 6 weeks of radiation on his brain. Courtney will be moving to Memphis with Blake very soon for the next 2 months while he undergoes treatment. Please keep praying for my beautiful nephew, he doesn’t deserve this. Thank you so much for your love, donations, and kindness!! My family is so very thankful. ❤️