ARALYN'S ALLIANCE Never Stop Swimming

My heart is broken for this Sweet Girl and her Family. As a community as small as ours we always stick together and fight as one. Shawndra and her Family received news no one ever wants to receive. The last 24 hours has flipped their whole world upside down and inside out. As most have heard, they have been admitted to Cincinnati Childrens Hospital with Aralyn. Aralyn has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. DIPG(Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) is an aggressive and fast growing tumor, that is inoperable and there is no cure. This tumor is located in the brain stem that is responsible for pretty much everything in your body from breathing, walking, swallowing etc. The statistics with these tumors are awful and heartbreaking. They have met with many doctors and specialists and it's just the start.

The neurosurgeon oncologist told them today that on average kids live 9-11 months with treatment. Treatment is usually localized intense radiation. Chemo isn't normally used because these types of tumors don't respond to the chemo like other cancer cells. There are clinical trials that we can look into but again these aren't cures. These are regimens that HOPEFULLY could affect the tumor in a positive outcome but nothing is ever guaranteed.

With that being said, I've put together this fundraiser to help with expenses (medical bills, food, gas to and from the hospital, etc.) Both Shawndra and Matt are my childhood best friends but more like family. Anything to help take some stress off of this terrible situation would be appreciated.

They are doing some research and are talking to see what clinical trials will entail. They have also talked with Aralyn and once they gather more information of what each trial entails they are gonna see what she wants to do. She has been so brave and strong taking all this information in. They hope to have a more definitive plan by Monday 4-3-23.

As Shanwdra said it best:

Faith and Hope. I have faith in my Jesus. I ask everyone who reads this to have it as well. Pray and pray hard. I truly believe God has a plan for everything. Don't get me wrong I'm mad and angry at this plan but I know it's bigger than me, it's bigger than Aralyn and I know my God is bigger than this tumor. I will keep everyone updated the best I can, please forgive me if I don't get back with messages or texts right away. We love you all. ❤️ As our world is going dark, we are looking at our bright and shiny star....Aralyn❤️