On Friday, January 16, 2026, our family was hit with a devastating blow that our sweet, vibrant Alaina had a brain tumor. This diagnosis came after about 7 weeks of intermittent vomiting and headaches for which she had been to her pediatrician as well as urgent care on more than one occasion. Despite being told that it was acid reflux, a gastrointestinal virus, and a UTI, her mother had a nagging suspicion that there had to be more as Alaina’s symptoms continued to progress. Her father took her to the ER and was advised that her CT scan demonstrated a brain tumor. She was transferred to a local children’s hospital where the MRI demonstrated a 3.9 x 3.1 x 3.5 cm growth in her cerebellum. Two days later, she was in surgery to have it removed. At that time, she had an EVD placed as well, a device utilized to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid. The following day, she had a repeat surveillance MRI, and residual tumors were noted. The following day, she had an additional surgery to remove the remaining “crumbs,” as her neurosurgeon deemed them. Fortunately, her MRI came back clean this time indicating no need for any additional surgical intervention.

The pathology indicates that she has a medulloblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor that is often seen in young children. Unfortunately, due to the potential for lasting cognitive effects, radiation is unable to be performed locally. She along with her parents will have to remain out of town for at least 6 weeks. Upon completion, she will have to start chemotherapy, it is still unclear how long this will last.

It’s obvious that this is going to be a long road, but we are prepared to fight. We are asking for any amount of monetary donation that you are able to provide to assist with the travel related expenses as well as time that her parents will miss from work. Any amount helps, and if you’re unable to donate monetarily then please keep her and our family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.