Support Max's Journey to Recovery

Tom and Theresa have been met with the news no parents wants to hear about their 2 year old.

On Monday Nov 18, Theresa reached out to Max's doctor because Max was not eating well having trouble sitting and walking and started shaking at daycare. Tom and Theresa took Max to the hospital on Tuesday night, they determined that an MRI would best determine what is going on with Max. However, he wasn't able to get an MRI until Thursday. During that MRI, it was discovered that Max had a tumor in his brain. The tumor was causing a back up of spinal fluid. On Thursday, the spinal fluid was drained to release pressure in his brain. The doctors said the draining went well. A drain was left in his head to keep the fluid from building back up. On Friday, Max had surgery to remove the 7 cm tumor in his brain. The doctor also felt optimistic that he was able to remove all of the tumor. On Saturday Nov 23, Max had another scan and the doctor felt he removed all the tumor. However, Max will need to see pediatric oncologist due to the strong possibility the tumor was cancerous.

Max still was having a hard time eating, so they elected to put an ng tube in so Max could get some nutrients in the hospital.

The hospital started physical therapy right away.

On Friday Nov 29, the drain was not doing what it was supposed to do to remove the fluid. Max had another surgery to put a shunt in his brain.

On Saturday Nov 30, Max was able to move out of the ICU and the shunt already seemed to helping his overall mood.

It is hopeful that Max will able to go home soon before he starts chemo. The family is still waiting for the pathology results of the tumor.

While this news was overwhelming and devastating, their other son, Marcus, was missing his mom and dad. Both Tom and Theresa have had limited time to spend with Marcus and have been commuting back and forth every other day to spend time with him.

Even though insurance will cover some of the costs, the travel and lodging and other expenses pile up. As they try to navigate their new normal, any donations and positive vibes would be beneficial.