On Friday, August 23, 2024, our 13-year old son Alek, had a seizure while getting ready for school. He was rushed to the hospital in Palm Bay, FL and was incoherent. He could hardly identify me (Allie) and did not know who his dad (Mendell) was. As you can imagine, we were heartbroken and scared. They immediately began bloodwork and sent him for a brain scan. The brain scan showed that he had a brain bleed, swelling and a mass in his brain. After getting those results, we were told he needed to be airlifted to a Children's Hospital in Orlando for further testing and treatment. After discussing the transportation options, it was agreed upon that he would be transported via ambulance so one parent could travel with him as we would not be able to go in the helicopter with him. I (Allie) went with him in the ambulance and Mendell followed behind in our vehicle. Upon arrival at the Children's Hospital, they notified us that he tested positive for Rhinovirus and were looking at the scans to see what further tests needed to occur. Later that day, they took him to get an MRI and a MRA. After those tests were completed, they said that it could be a cavernous malformation or a tumor. However, it was unclear because of the swelling. They indicated we had to wait for the swelling to go down and retest. They prescribed steroids to bring the swelling down and to help the blood reabsorb in his brain. They also prescribed anti-seizure medication to prevent another seizure. Their goal for the retest was Sunday, August 25, 2024. On Saturday, August 24, 2024, Alek awoke with intense eye pressure and he was prescribed medication for that. On Sunday, August 25, 2024, they did the rescan and indicated he was stable. On Monday, August 26, 2024, they completed an angiogram. That test confirmed the mass was an Arteriovenous malformations (AVM). You can learn more about AVM's online at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-avm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350260. On Thursday, August 28, 2024, they did a another scan he needed for the surgery to remove the AVM. He has started both physical therapy and occupational therapy because the bleeding and the swelling have caused some issues. He also has to see an ophthalmologist. We are now preparing for brain surgery in 2-3 weeks. Luckily, they are allowing us to go home until the surgery is scheduled. Alek will need to be home-schooled until he recovers from surgery and gets clearance to resume normal activities. This will greatly limit my ability to work.

As you can imagine, this has taken an emotional, mental and financial toll on our family and will continue to do so. If you can help us with the financial aspect of this journey, we would greatly appreciate it. Please feel free to share this fundraiser and keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

We will keep everyone updated through this journey.

Thank you, Allie (on behalf of the entire Newman family)