Vincent's Story of Faith & Courage
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For those not familiar with Vincent Avalos, I will do my best to summerize the courageous journey this young man has taken over the past 23 months.
On December 23, 2013 Vincent suffered a seizure which woke his mother in the middle of the night. The seizure was cause for concern because although Vincent had experienced Febrile (Fever) seizures before, at 7 years old he was beyond the age where these normally occur. Vincent's parents Alex and Melissa, received a phone call the following day from the Pediatrician because he wanted an EEG done. After analysis it was determined that it looked normal.
On January 14, 2014 Vincent (Vinny) had an MRI done and it was revealed that Vinny had a Tumor in the left ventricle of his brain. Alex and Melissa who live in Luckey Ohio, opted to seek treatment at MOTTS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL in Ann Arbor Michigan, because of their excellant reputation. After meeting with the Surgical Team, the surgery was set for March 21, 2014. The surgery was a success and the biopsy showed that the tumor was an Atypical Meningioma Grade Two . Following many weeks of recovery and numerous MRI's Vinny was showing no regrowth of the Tumor.
On September 11, 2015 Vinny returned from School with a headache, although he had not complained of headaches previously. The Neuro-Team was called , and an MRI showed that Vinny was collecting spinal fluid in the left ventricle of his brain (Hydrocephalus), most likely because of the scar tissue from the first Craniotomy (brain surgery). The treatment meant another Craniotomy to drain the fluid, and install a drain outside the brain due to Ventriculomegaly, (dilated lateral ventricals). Alex and Melissa were also told that if the drainage began collecting again, a third surgery would be needed to install a permanent internal drain.
Vinny spent four days in the PICU and underwent many more MRI's before the Neuro-Team felt confident that the procedure had worked, and Vinny was free to go home.
After 24 hours at home, Vinny suffered another seizure, and was taken by Ambulance back to Motts Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor. After observation and the administration of anti-seizure medication, Vinny was released the next day, however he must continue with the anti-seizure medication. Vinny has pulled through again and is on the road to recovery.
Vincent's battle may not be over yet, but we are confident that whatever challenges he may face in the future, with God's help, he will meet and exceed expectations. Vincent is a special boy with a bright future ahead of him. The surgeries and the excellant care provided for him have put a financial strain on Alex and Melissa. They both work very hard to provide for their family of three sons. The insurance company has covered much, but as with any major medical issue there remains a very large balance that Alex and Melissa are responsible for. They are facing these financial issues head on, without complaint or asking for help.
This Fundraiser has come about because Alex and Melissa's family and friends, want to offer our support beyond our prayers. Many prayers have already been offered on their behalf by so many people, including many good people who have never even met this Avalos family. We ask for your financial support for this deserving family, and please feel free to share this Fundraiser on your Face Book page with your Face Book family and friends. Thank you in advance and may God Bless you.
The entire Avalos Family.
On December 23, 2013 Vincent suffered a seizure which woke his mother in the middle of the night. The seizure was cause for concern because although Vincent had experienced Febrile (Fever) seizures before, at 7 years old he was beyond the age where these normally occur. Vincent's parents Alex and Melissa, received a phone call the following day from the Pediatrician because he wanted an EEG done. After analysis it was determined that it looked normal.
On January 14, 2014 Vincent (Vinny) had an MRI done and it was revealed that Vinny had a Tumor in the left ventricle of his brain. Alex and Melissa who live in Luckey Ohio, opted to seek treatment at MOTTS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL in Ann Arbor Michigan, because of their excellant reputation. After meeting with the Surgical Team, the surgery was set for March 21, 2014. The surgery was a success and the biopsy showed that the tumor was an Atypical Meningioma Grade Two . Following many weeks of recovery and numerous MRI's Vinny was showing no regrowth of the Tumor.
On September 11, 2015 Vinny returned from School with a headache, although he had not complained of headaches previously. The Neuro-Team was called , and an MRI showed that Vinny was collecting spinal fluid in the left ventricle of his brain (Hydrocephalus), most likely because of the scar tissue from the first Craniotomy (brain surgery). The treatment meant another Craniotomy to drain the fluid, and install a drain outside the brain due to Ventriculomegaly, (dilated lateral ventricals). Alex and Melissa were also told that if the drainage began collecting again, a third surgery would be needed to install a permanent internal drain.
Vinny spent four days in the PICU and underwent many more MRI's before the Neuro-Team felt confident that the procedure had worked, and Vinny was free to go home.
After 24 hours at home, Vinny suffered another seizure, and was taken by Ambulance back to Motts Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor. After observation and the administration of anti-seizure medication, Vinny was released the next day, however he must continue with the anti-seizure medication. Vinny has pulled through again and is on the road to recovery.
Vincent's battle may not be over yet, but we are confident that whatever challenges he may face in the future, with God's help, he will meet and exceed expectations. Vincent is a special boy with a bright future ahead of him. The surgeries and the excellant care provided for him have put a financial strain on Alex and Melissa. They both work very hard to provide for their family of three sons. The insurance company has covered much, but as with any major medical issue there remains a very large balance that Alex and Melissa are responsible for. They are facing these financial issues head on, without complaint or asking for help.
This Fundraiser has come about because Alex and Melissa's family and friends, want to offer our support beyond our prayers. Many prayers have already been offered on their behalf by so many people, including many good people who have never even met this Avalos family. We ask for your financial support for this deserving family, and please feel free to share this Fundraiser on your Face Book page with your Face Book family and friends. Thank you in advance and may God Bless you.
The entire Avalos Family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Alexander Avalos Sr.
Organizer
Perrysburg, OH
Melissa Avalos
Beneficiary