Cora's Cancer Journey

Hi Cowdery Support Crew,

On behalf of the Cowdery family, just hopping over to provide a quick update. First of all, April and Steve have been blown away by the support received from family and friends – including and especially, each of you! They have barely had a moment to sleep or process, knowing they have you in their corner provides strength and comfort that is much needed right now.

on April 24th, 2024 5-year-old Cora was admitted for a large brain tumor at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. What followed was an emergency surgery to release her pressure and excess fluid building up in her brain. The tumor is one large tumor with 4 big tumors inside and smaller lesions within it.

Cora's doctors successfully removed 4 of Cora's large tumors, that were growing within the main tumor. What remains is an inoperable tumor surrounding her cerebellum. While the surgery was unable to remove the full scope of the tumors, the Cowderys were extremely relieved that Cora was able to speak and walk shortly after surgery. The hospital staff have been nothing short of a Godsend.

In the days that followed, they experienced a roller coaster of emotions as tests and updates came from the neurosurgery team.

While Cora is in good spirits most of the time, with visits from friends, hospital pups and a slew of Sesame Street and Star Wars characters, the pain and frustration is real.

After two failed tests, the neuro team recommended the implantation of a shunt, which will remain in place indefinitely. This device will help her brain regulate her intracranial pressures since it cannot process on its own, surgery is scheduled for Wednesday 5/8.

As they await pathology tests, their current understanding of next steps include chemotherapy for a minimum of 70 weeks that is needed to shrink the remaining tumor. If the tumor cannot be removed by the extensive chemo treatment, an additional surgery may be necessary.

update 5/8: shunt surgery went great. Cora is no longer hooked up to machines and will hopefully pass her MRI screening to be sent home. Once home we await the next leg of this journey, chemo....

update 5/11: we went home on 5/9. We are in a recovery period until we know next steps with our first post op appt on may 24th. We should also have more information regarding the chemo at this appointment. 

Any donations made here will be used for medical bills - although insurance will foot the bill for some, we will still be out-of-pocket for a majority of it. Medical bills include: two week stay, one emergency surgery, one craniotomy surgery to remove the tumors, a blood transfusion, in-depth MRIS, and all additional doctor visits that will follow Cora for the reminder of her life into adulthood. Doctor visits such as: weekly chemo treatments, neuro-psychology appointments to ensure Cora is staying on track academically and socially through her chemo treatments, physical & occupational therapy as needed, possible shunt replacement surgeries and more for at least the next 5 years.

if you wish to donate through zelle, venmo, or check that is available as well.

Thank you again for your unwavering generosity. Please keep the prayers coming and stay tuned for updates.

a note from Cora's Mom & Dad:

We want to thank Dr. Smyth, Dr. Pressman, Dr. Akbari, Dr. Patel, every single nurse on 7 north, and the entire neuro team. Your dedication to Cora and to us as a family, has been absolutely awe-inspiring. You truly have treated Cora like one of your own and you all have become family to us. Thank you for your amazing love and care. We cannot thank you enough for all you have done.

DISCLAIMER: April (mom) created this gofundme on behalf of friends & family for ease of notifications by email or text. The original donation was created by Lauren, Cheryl, Jennifer & Amanda via MealTrain and by numerous requests for a gofundme, April felt best to create one and have everything in her name.