For the love of Shane West-Ringler

Can you imagine having a 6-year-old child and hearing the words your son has a brain tumor?

That is the situation of our friends Christy West, Michael Ringler and family found themselves in on December 18th, 2021. Their handsome, bright, energetic 6-year-old son Shane developed isolated changes in muscle strength and control which led to Duke ER and an MRI, which showed a tumor on his brain.

On December 22nd, 2021, Shane underwent a craniotomy in hopes of getting a biopsy and removing the tumor. The doctors successfully removed 60 % of the tumor but could not remove any more due to observable loss of motor function on his entire left side when they were stimulating his brain during surgery. MRI follow up after the surgery showed a small stroke during the surgery. We are still not sure how the stroke affected him, but it was closest to the vision center of the brain. The family has moved from the hospital to inpatient physical therapy for at least 3 weeks as Shane cannot walk on his own, has lost left arm motor function and has some visual impairment.

Both parents have taken off work to be by his side to give him the support, encouragement and love he needs. As one can imagine, this is very difficult for Shane, and he has times of being very upset, mad, and scared. Shane has also been amazingly brave and strong considering everything he has been through in a very short time.

We do not know exactly what will be next for this wonderful family. We do know there will be more treatments, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. It will also mean more time off work, more travel, as well as mounting medical bills.

While we cannot alleviate their pain, stress, or suffering, we can help them financially and that is why we have set up this GoFundMe page to make it easier for anyone to donate. If you would like to help in this effort, please make a donation.

Together WE CAN make a difference for Shane and his family! Go Team Shane!