My two year old daughter was diagnosed with a rare aggressive type of brain tumor.
We are facing something that no parent or child should be facing.
Prior to her being diagnosed, Ellie was a normal happy two year old. However, something wasn’t quite right with her mobility, as she started limping and she had stopped running.
We went to an Orthopedic surgeon to check for fractures but the X-ray came out negative. We were then referred to neurologist to complete a full body MRI and on August 28, 2020 our life changed forever.
The worst scenario had happened that left us devastated. They found a large tumor in Ellie’s left side of her brain, that was pushing her brain and affecting her motor skills. Doctors were amazed how large it was and that her only symptom was limping.
We were rushed to the Pediatric ICU, at Doernbecher Hospital to have her tumor remove. She underwent a brain surgery for 8 hours, fortunately it was a successful operation, thanks to the staff and surgeons at OHSU. However, the tumor is cancerous and needs proton radiation and chemo therapy to ensure it is completely gone and won’t come back.
She will also have to do occupational therapy and physical therapy to help her grow like a normal toddler.
OHSU has the best team behind her. And I am beyond grateful that they are taking care of her.
Ellie is a very smart girl, she loves learning and exploring. She loves insects, sea creatures, and all animals. Halloween is her favorite holiday, but also loves the Christmas season because she loves playing with the snow. Although she is only 2.5 years old, she has been very brave through this process with her treatment.
At times she does get terrified with all the hospital equipment and being poked by needles, but she has been adjusting to her daily routine.
She has a older brother, who is 12 years old, which she loves to boss around and a dog that she thinks is funny looking (pug dog).
She also loves to be outside, playing at the playground, running around, searching for adventures, and finding new things.. she is very curious and will ask names of everything she sees.
This fundraising will cover some of her medical expenses. She will also need her fertility to be preserved so she can carry a child if she wanted to.
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