My 8 year old niece, Abigail had not been feeling well for a few weeks. After a few trips to her pediatrician and some referrals to specialists, she continued to feel worse.

On January 24th 2022, like any mom would do, my sister, Jessica, called her pediatrician and she was advised to take Abigail to the E.R. to get checked out. The doctor ordered an MRI, and that's when Abigail's parents received devastating news. In the early hours of January 25th 2022, Abigail had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. That same day she was transferred to St Louis Children's Hospital.

The next morning January 26th 2022, she had a 10 and a half hour long surgery, where her neurosurgeon felt confident they were able to remove the entire tumor.

As we were relieved that her surgery went well….Abigail developed Posterior Fossa Syndrome. This syndrome involves a variety of symptoms that is unknown as to why it can happen in some children. Abigail isn't able to swallow so a feeding tube needed to be placed. She isn't able to speak, so she is moaning and groaning and very upset and irritable. She is able to move her legs and squeeze my sister’s hand but she can not move her arms and is unable to hold her head up or move on her own. The doctors say her symptoms will improve but will take weeks or months to get better.

While getting her the therapy she needs for the syndrome, we got news that the tumor is an aggressive form of cancer called, Medulloblastoma.

Abigail has a long road ahead of her and will start radiation on February 28th, on her 9th birthday. Her radiation treatments will be Monday-Friday for 6 weeks straight. Then if everything is going right, she will get a month break and then will start chemotherapy 2-3 days a month for 6-9 months.

With the havoc that is going on, it’s not easy being over 3 hours from home and away from their 5 year old son. Sam is working hard to maintain his income, along with being at the hospital to care for Abigail and support Jessica. Jessica is not able to earn income right now while she is caring for Abigail. Sam and Jessica Callahan are hard working individuals that would give the shirt off their back when a person is in need. Now this is our chance to give back.

We are hoping to take a little off their plate. By opening a “go fund me”account, we can help them by donating funds to cover food purchases, fuel costs, home maintenance and medical bills.

If you could give a little bit to help out the financial burden for the couple. But most of all, continued prayers are needed. Thank you so much!