Our Little Hero, Elliot.
Donation protected
If you have come this far, thank you for taking the extra step to being apart of this incredible journey with Elliot. We appreciate your time and support, and every minute you spend getting to know his story.
Our son, Elliot Kim:
Elliot is not your average kid. He's generally shy, doesn't like attention, and likes quiet monotony. But behind his introverted personality, is a child that unleashes a dashing smile, and an attention to incredible detail. If there is one word to describe him, everything that he does is genuine.
However ever since, he was about 1 1/2 - 2 years old, he had a bit of a developmental delay. We always attributed it to a time period where he was constantly enduring ear infections due to being thrown into daycare. But nonetheless, he was always making progress.
It just so happened this past March, Elliot was taken into the ER for, at the time, an allergic reaction to food. He was cleared, but the ER doctor had prescribed to him a standard steroid.
Almost immediately, Elliot's body responded positively to the steroid, where even his physical therapist noticed that Elliot was not struggling as much with his instability and balance. Soon after, we took him to a neurologist, who suggested running an MRI and some tests to rule out any conditions that were inflammation or auto-immune related.
When we took him in for his tests and MRI in June, we discovered a swelling in his cerebellum that was causing fluid build up in his cerebrum (hydrocephalus). At the time, they could not determine what was causing the swelling, because the fluid prevented clear imaging. Nonetheless, they treated his hydrocephalus, and scheduled a re-imaging the following month to determine what the swelling was.
What had thrown the doctors off for weeks/months there following was the unusual size and location. And now with the fluid clear, we were able to see a clearer picture of Elliot's brain through his follow-up MRI. With this particular MRI, it also equipped with spectroscopy to see the chemical levels, as well. What was revealed was every parent's nightmare: the strong possibility of a tumor. In Elliot's case, possible multiple tumors scattered throughout his cerebellum.
Elliot was immediately scheduled for a biopsy, which later was diagnosed as stage 2 Pilocytic Astrocytoma.
Moving forward, he will have a port close to his heart so that he can receive chemo-treatment once every week for the next 18 months.
His pediatric oncologist at Children's Medical City is very optimistic.
***
We have been tremendously blessed to have been surrounded by an incredible team of doctors that have provided the best service for our son. But such things come at a price.
Up to this point, Josie and I have been able to keep our heads above financial water. But with time lost from work, dealing with insurance, and managing Elliot's past, current and future health needs, the storm has arrived, and we need your help. Knowing so, yours and all other support will go towards Elliot's care and health needs.
***
Though we appreciate your financial support, please consider giving only with an open and happy heart. The last thing Josie and I want is money coming between you and us.
More importantly, we hope to share this time in Elliot's life: moments of sadness, moments of trial, but ultimately celebrate in his victory.
Our son, Elliot Kim:
Elliot is not your average kid. He's generally shy, doesn't like attention, and likes quiet monotony. But behind his introverted personality, is a child that unleashes a dashing smile, and an attention to incredible detail. If there is one word to describe him, everything that he does is genuine.
However ever since, he was about 1 1/2 - 2 years old, he had a bit of a developmental delay. We always attributed it to a time period where he was constantly enduring ear infections due to being thrown into daycare. But nonetheless, he was always making progress.
It just so happened this past March, Elliot was taken into the ER for, at the time, an allergic reaction to food. He was cleared, but the ER doctor had prescribed to him a standard steroid.
Almost immediately, Elliot's body responded positively to the steroid, where even his physical therapist noticed that Elliot was not struggling as much with his instability and balance. Soon after, we took him to a neurologist, who suggested running an MRI and some tests to rule out any conditions that were inflammation or auto-immune related.
When we took him in for his tests and MRI in June, we discovered a swelling in his cerebellum that was causing fluid build up in his cerebrum (hydrocephalus). At the time, they could not determine what was causing the swelling, because the fluid prevented clear imaging. Nonetheless, they treated his hydrocephalus, and scheduled a re-imaging the following month to determine what the swelling was.
What had thrown the doctors off for weeks/months there following was the unusual size and location. And now with the fluid clear, we were able to see a clearer picture of Elliot's brain through his follow-up MRI. With this particular MRI, it also equipped with spectroscopy to see the chemical levels, as well. What was revealed was every parent's nightmare: the strong possibility of a tumor. In Elliot's case, possible multiple tumors scattered throughout his cerebellum.
Elliot was immediately scheduled for a biopsy, which later was diagnosed as stage 2 Pilocytic Astrocytoma.
Moving forward, he will have a port close to his heart so that he can receive chemo-treatment once every week for the next 18 months.
His pediatric oncologist at Children's Medical City is very optimistic.
***
We have been tremendously blessed to have been surrounded by an incredible team of doctors that have provided the best service for our son. But such things come at a price.
Up to this point, Josie and I have been able to keep our heads above financial water. But with time lost from work, dealing with insurance, and managing Elliot's past, current and future health needs, the storm has arrived, and we need your help. Knowing so, yours and all other support will go towards Elliot's care and health needs.
***
Though we appreciate your financial support, please consider giving only with an open and happy heart. The last thing Josie and I want is money coming between you and us.
More importantly, we hope to share this time in Elliot's life: moments of sadness, moments of trial, but ultimately celebrate in his victory.
Organizer
David Kim
Organizer
Wylie, TX
