Nolan and Taya Stewart

In November 2017, after several months of neck pain and headaches, Nolan's doctors discovered a tumor on his cerebellum. They removed the tumor, with no complications, on November 16, 2017. After removal and testing, the doctors discovered the tumor was a hemangeoblastoma (which is typically an indicator of Von Hippel-Lindau disease). In January 2018, it was confirmed that Nolan did, in fact, have VHL. Nolan's young daughter, Ella, was also diagnosed with VHL at this time. 

In August 2018, after more months of pain and diminishing mobility, Nolan and his wife Taya headed to Maryland to meet with one of the top VHL doctors in the country. Complications the first few nights left everyone scared Nolan may not make it home to South Carolina but God had other plans. Nolan fought hard and was able to regain enough strength to have the surgery to remove a tumor on his brain stem. Within days, Nolan was up walking and talking and could even write his name for the first time in three months. It was a literal miracle from God!

Unfortunately, within days of returning home to SC, Nolan lost sensation in his arm and could not walk. By the time he and Taya got back to Maryland, he was barely able to talk or move portions of his face. At this time, they believe there is another tumor on his brain stem and Nolan is set for surgery either Wednesday 8/29 or Thursday 8/30. 

All of the traveling and medical visits required of Taya and Nolan is not only physically and emotionally exhausting but also a financial burden. I pray that you will find it in your heart (and wallet) to help out this amazing family as they continue to battle this horrible disease!