Lilian Samantha Zagar... Some of you may know her as Lili, or Lilian, or even Lils. She's also got many nicknames, such as pumpkin nugget, and she does love her some chicken nuggets. But anyhow, here goes.
This past several weeks have been a whirlwind! On Tuesday, April 15th of this year, Lilian was experiencing blurred vision, vomiting , and headaches. Her family doctor was called, and an appointment was made for an MRI at the Sheboygan Aurora Medical Center where she was immediately sent to Children's Hospital in Milwaukee upon return of her MRI findings.
That day, results came back as a mass on her pituitary gland. It may have been there for up to a couple of years from what the doctor observed. Emergency surgery was performed, and the mass was removed, along with a cyst that was blocking it from removal. The next morning, her vitals were not responding regularly, and she had a brain bleed, high heart rate, etc. It was then determined by the team of doctors at Children's Hospital Milwaukee that she would need a shunt put in. If you're not familiar with the term, as I was not before this instance, basically it's another surgery where they put a tube from her brain to her belly area to drain her spinal fluids. Her body will not do so on its own at this point because of the damage she's sustained over time with the tumor on her pituitary gland. That's where her headaches and vision problems may have originated.
On May 6th, Lilian finally got to go home, temporarily. Her end of school year is approaching, so she will get to take part in her Brewers field trip the last week of school, confirmation, and graduation soon! She did miss her 8th-grade class trip, but her school and fellow students have been nothing short of amazing . In 5 weeks, Lilian will be starting the next step of this long journey. Life's funny like that sometimes, but nonetheless, the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota will be her next stop. Her parents, siblings, family, and friends are staying strong right beside her every step of this, and throughout this trying time, she acts like it's nothing. Lilian has remained positive, and to be honest, she's an inspiration ✨️. This girl has been a trooper. The Children's Hospital Neurological Unit has done miracles .
My baby girl will be headed to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in about 5 weeks, where she will stay for six weeks. There she will undergo radiation treatments 5 days a week. This entire journey is just getting started for Lilian. We're starting this GoFundMe today for support for our baby girl and her family in these times of uncertainty. The funds will be used for medical bills that are not covered by insurance, travel expenses and stays from going back and forth from WI to MN, cover loss wages to travel with Lilian and any necessities she may need in the future as this is all new to us.
This kid is so strong, man. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to cry looking at her in that hospital bed. But I had to hold it together for her; she can't see her mom and dad with tears in their eyes, so we remain strong. For Lilian! ##loveforlilian .
Her school has done great things in support, and I'd like to thank St. John's Mayville, along with all who've helped with bracelets Mia is selling, and the t-shirt sale at the brat fry fundraiser this coming weekend. Wish this kid luck; she could use it. And show your support! Love, Lilian and her family.
We are forever grateful for everyone's donations, prayers, and kind words as we travel through this new journey. It really means the world. Thank you!