Lil Jojo's Surgery at John Hopkins
Donation protected
On The Behalf of Jojo's mom: Toyin Alonge
TUMOR. This five letter word can knock the wind out of you, especially when doctors inform you that your two year old son has a large one growing inside of his spinal cord! This was the news we received four days before our son’s second birthday in February 2015. The following week Jojo underwent surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, but only 20 percent was successfully removed. The biopsy came back glioma astrocytoma. It is benign in nature, meaning it typically stays in the area where it started and should not spread. The prognosis for these types of tumors are high regarding life expectancy but its quality of life that is diminished. As the tumor grows it affects the surrounding nerves and function. Jojo has a visible walking disability and a significant scoliosis of the spine as a result of the damage the tumor has already caused. Continued growth could result in complete blockage of the spinal cord, preventing the flow of spinal fluid and communication from the brain, and result in paralysis and other complications.
Since surgery, Jojo has undergone weekly chemo therapy treatments for over one year and countless physical therapies. Thus far, chemo has NOT been affective in shrinking the tumor and it has continued to grow. Jojo is under the care of a wonderful team of doctors at Scottish Rite – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. However after receiving results of an MRI a couple months ago showing that the tumor started to grow again after being stable approx. 6 months and knowing his local team had exhausted all viable options, we reached out to a specialist at John Hopkins Hospital. To our delight, we’ve been offered a ray of hope and Jojo will have another surgery at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in August. The doctor is very confident that he can give us the results we need to eventually see Jojo restored to full health.
It has truly been the grace of God and a strong support system that has carried us through this journey. Our son has worked so hard; he is a true fighter and inspiration to our family! After his initial surgery last year, he was paralyzed for about four months. He had to learn the basics of rolling over and crawling all over again. Like a true champ, he rose to the occasion! In his wheelchair he even mimicked his favorite Disney character, racecar Lightening McQueen, and went “super-fast”!
He eventually progressed to using a walker and can now walk independently but stumbles often. He has significant leg weakness and is on various medications to control nerve pain, muscle spasms, and prevent infections.
We expect continued hard work after his upcoming surgery, but can see the light at the end of the tunnel and are ready to take on the challenge! God has brought Jojo so far and we expect to see a full healing! Please join us in fighting for Jojo! Your prayers and financial contribution are greatly appreciated. He will beat this and he will walk/run to his heart’s content!
Thank you!
Jojo is a bundle of Joy! When you see his smile, it radiates love and strength! Toyin is one of my best friends in the world. For any of you who know Toyin, you know she has one of the purest and sincerest hearts. She definitely has the heart of Gold. If you haven't had the opportunity to meet Jojo's mom (Toyin) she is awesome! Let's help The Alonge's, Toyin and Daniel Alonge reach their goal for their son JoJo's Surgery at John Hopkins Hospital. We would love to reach this Goal by Saturday, August 6th.
TUMOR. This five letter word can knock the wind out of you, especially when doctors inform you that your two year old son has a large one growing inside of his spinal cord! This was the news we received four days before our son’s second birthday in February 2015. The following week Jojo underwent surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, but only 20 percent was successfully removed. The biopsy came back glioma astrocytoma. It is benign in nature, meaning it typically stays in the area where it started and should not spread. The prognosis for these types of tumors are high regarding life expectancy but its quality of life that is diminished. As the tumor grows it affects the surrounding nerves and function. Jojo has a visible walking disability and a significant scoliosis of the spine as a result of the damage the tumor has already caused. Continued growth could result in complete blockage of the spinal cord, preventing the flow of spinal fluid and communication from the brain, and result in paralysis and other complications.
Since surgery, Jojo has undergone weekly chemo therapy treatments for over one year and countless physical therapies. Thus far, chemo has NOT been affective in shrinking the tumor and it has continued to grow. Jojo is under the care of a wonderful team of doctors at Scottish Rite – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. However after receiving results of an MRI a couple months ago showing that the tumor started to grow again after being stable approx. 6 months and knowing his local team had exhausted all viable options, we reached out to a specialist at John Hopkins Hospital. To our delight, we’ve been offered a ray of hope and Jojo will have another surgery at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in August. The doctor is very confident that he can give us the results we need to eventually see Jojo restored to full health.
It has truly been the grace of God and a strong support system that has carried us through this journey. Our son has worked so hard; he is a true fighter and inspiration to our family! After his initial surgery last year, he was paralyzed for about four months. He had to learn the basics of rolling over and crawling all over again. Like a true champ, he rose to the occasion! In his wheelchair he even mimicked his favorite Disney character, racecar Lightening McQueen, and went “super-fast”!
He eventually progressed to using a walker and can now walk independently but stumbles often. He has significant leg weakness and is on various medications to control nerve pain, muscle spasms, and prevent infections.
We expect continued hard work after his upcoming surgery, but can see the light at the end of the tunnel and are ready to take on the challenge! God has brought Jojo so far and we expect to see a full healing! Please join us in fighting for Jojo! Your prayers and financial contribution are greatly appreciated. He will beat this and he will walk/run to his heart’s content!
Thank you!
Jojo is a bundle of Joy! When you see his smile, it radiates love and strength! Toyin is one of my best friends in the world. For any of you who know Toyin, you know she has one of the purest and sincerest hearts. She definitely has the heart of Gold. If you haven't had the opportunity to meet Jojo's mom (Toyin) she is awesome! Let's help The Alonge's, Toyin and Daniel Alonge reach their goal for their son JoJo's Surgery at John Hopkins Hospital. We would love to reach this Goal by Saturday, August 6th.
Organizer and beneficiary
Tamarah Costen
Organizer
Buford, GA
JoJo Alonge
Beneficiary