On April 29, 2024, JP suffered a seizure at a birthday party, which led to the discovery of a brain tumor in his left temporal lobe—the size of a baseball. He was admitted to Children’s Hospital, and after further imaging, doctors confirmed the tumor was cancerous but low-grade. Surgery was scheduled for May 2.

Following a successful 10-hour surgery and a brief stay in the PICU, doctors believed they had removed the entire tumor. JP slowly began recovery, regaining strength through PT and OT. Although pathology results were initially inconclusive, additional testing confirmed the tumor was non-cancerous, identified as Pilocytic Astrocytoma (PCA)—a slow-growing, nonmalignant tumor. No further treatment was needed at that time.

In August, a follow-up MRI revealed a small regrowth and a hematoma. JP underwent a second surgery at Barnes Hospital on August 22. Thanks to intraoperative MRI, surgeons were able to remove all remaining tumor tissue. Pathology confirmed this was residual tumor from the first surgery, not new growth, bringing huge relief.

By fall, JP was thriving. Post-op scans were clear, and in December, he was taken off seizure medication after being seizure-free since April. His vision loss in one eye, a side effect of surgery, was stable and manageable.

JP continued follow-up care, and by March 2025, all tests were stable. However, in June, new MRI scans revealed two additional tumors. This time, surgery was not an option. JP is set to begin oral targeted chemotherapy the week of June 23. The treatment, which could last up to two years, consists of seven pills daily. Encouragingly, the medication is designed to reprogram his DNA and prevent future tumor growth!

Despite the challenges, JP remains in good spirits, supported by his family, friends, and a community of prayer warriors. His journey continues—with courage, hope, and unwavering strength.

Funds will be used to help the Bourner family pay for JP's medication over the next 1-2 years, as well as pay down medical debt from his previous two surgeries and hospital stays, as well as any future medical needs associated with JP's condition.