Oakle's Journey

Hi, my name is Elizabeth,

I am Oakle's Mimi. Recently during a routine test for Oakle's FAP, it was discovered he has a very large tumor above his left Kidney. After extensive testing (still some ongoing), We were told that Oakle has what is called Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that forms from immature nerve cells. It usually begins in the adrenal glands but may also begin in the abdomen, chest, or in nerve tissue near the spine. Neuroblastoma most often occurs in children younger than 5 years of age.

As Oakle's tumor was caught strictly by chance, he isn't showing many outward effects and is still doing good so far health-wise. We know this is a huge blessing, but that doesn't help with the worry for his future as we navigate this new reality. He and his parents have been traveling from Gaylord to the U of M weekly for testing and meetings with his oncology & surgical teams. As we get closer to his soft date for surgery (April 17th), we are asking for any help that you can give. Whether that's just keeping us in your thought or donating to help cover travel, hotel, and food costs. Oakle will be in the Hospital for upto 10 days. Although there are many programs we have reached out to, and his parents are getting discounted rates (somewhat) for hotel rooms, they still have to pay everything upfront while they wait for insurance reimbursement (and then they only pay some of the costs, not all). They are both unable to work very much at the current time, due to all of Oakle's appointments.

I will be posting regular updates as more info come to us from his doctors and as his test results come in. All we ask is, please do not bombard Brooke & Dustin with questions, as they are extremely overwhelmed and trying their best to focus on Oakle and Nyla and make plans for Oakle's medical needs going forward.

Again we thank everyone, for any assistance given, and for those who can't help thank you for taking the time to read about Oakle and the Journey he is on.