Connor Battle's 2nd Brain Surgery

On March 12, 2018, my sweet 5 year old nephew Connor Battle's recent MRI showed that his brain tumor was growing back enough to need another brain surgery. In October 2016, Connor was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma (JPA). The neurosurgeons were hopeful for a full resection without damage to his vision or hearing, and they were able to remove the brain tumor but in the last 6 months, it has grown back aggressively. Connor will undergo his second 8 hour brain surgery on April 11th and he is at a high risk for complete vision and hearing loss on his right side due to the tumor growing in his 7th and 8th cranial nerves. There is also a high risk for leaking fluid in his brain and various other troubles.

Those of you who know my sister, Christy Battle, knows that she has the kindest and caring heart, always puts others before herself, and would never ask of anyone to help her in this time of need, but I am doing so please. When Connor was first diagnosed, she has never left his side, and has yet again had to take FMLA leave unpaid from her teaching position at Lanier High School to spend weeks with Connor in the hospital. We are all extremely hopeful and praying that with the best surgeons at CHOA, Connor will recover and do the things 5 years old do.

Because of his time needed ​​in the PICU, his brain surgery, and his recovery, and her time from work unpaid, her family will be left with huge medical expenses. I kindly ask that if you are in a position to donate, please help with Connor's medical expenses. Christy also has two children, Caylee 9, and Collin 3.  I know Christy and Cody, my family, and myself are SO grateful for all the kind words and prayer chains going around for Connor. They are the only thing keeping a smile on my sister's face. If you are not in a position to donate, please put Connor in your prayers. Christy and her family will be forever grateful for any help, big or small. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 

Stephanie