Mikey's Tragic Accident - After Medulloblastoma

We are asking you to please consider helping Mikey and the Riggs Family! On October 9, 2021, our nephew 12-year-old Mikey Riggs was diagnosed with a rare malignant Medulloblastoma brain tumor, which has metastasized and spread to his spinal column. Medulloblastoma is a primary central nervous system tumor in the cerebellum portion of the brain. The cerebellum is involved in muscle coordination, balance, movement and can cause issues with vision and hearing. In Mikey’s case, the tumor has caused loss of hearing in one ear, double vision, caused weakness in one side impacting his facial muscles, walking and use of one of his arms.

History - Mikey woke up on October 9th and told Mom (Raquel) and Dad (Mike) that he was having trouble seeing after previously being diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy a few weeks prior. Mikey was quickly rushed to the hospital where an MRI was performed to determine the cause of Mikey’s worsening condition. In a matter of hours, they received the news, Mikey had a mass in the base of his brain. Mikey was immediately transferred by ambulance to Advent Health in Orlando, where additional testing was performed, and surgery was scheduled to remove the tumor. On October 12th, 3 days after the initial tumor diagnosis, Mikey had a 8-hour surgery to remove the tumor, which is the first step of the treatment for this type of malignant cancer. Last week, a Spinal Tap was performed and unfortunately, confirmed that the cancer has spread (metastasized) to Mikey’s spinal column.

Mikey and Raquel are leaving for St. Jude’s hospital in Memphis, Tennessee to review treatment options. Mikey will have a variety of tests and scans, lymph node biopsies and procedures prior to facing a tough year of radiation, chemotherapy, and clinical trials.

This sudden and horrible news has devastated our entire family, but Mikey is a sweet and caring child, talented athlete, and a remarkably gifted scholar. We are asking for donations to help the Riggs’ because of the financial burden that Mikey’s fight will bring. Raquel and Mike already have so much to deal with, please help them have one less thing to worry about, the overwhelming financial impact of Mikey’s treatments by making a tax-deductible donation today.

Raquel is a 1st grade teacher at Star Child Academy and Mike is a manager at Zellwood Station Golf Club. As a result of Mikey’s diagnosis, Raquel has taken a long term leave of absence from her job to care for and support Mikey through his treatment. Mike will continue to work to provide financial support and to keep their medical benefits, even though he would prefer to be with Mikey and Raquel.

Thank you for your caring and support!