Chris’s fight with inoperable Brain Tumor

New update: 4/15/2025

Induction chemo did not work and there is a 2mm growth and enhancement in the tumor. The oncologist brought his case before their tumor board and they all agreed that treatment needed to change so we will be going to have tests done for him to start a Mek inhibitor (I had to google this to understand) and then they will do another chemo called vinblastine once a week for 17 months. This journey is going to be a very long one and will highly impact us financially and emotionally. Chris was nominated for Make a wish and approved. He is thinking of what he wants to do but he knows he wants friends and family with him so we are changing the amount needed in this go fund me to help him pay for the extra expense of taking a couple friend. 

If you can’t help please just pray for us and share our story!! 

Thanks

A little update 3/13/25. 

We have been in chemo now since January, yesterday we had a MRI RAPID done. His ventricles are not blocked still but it is showing an increase in the tumor size. We go tomorrow for our last induction round of chemo and we start his maintenance chemo April 4th he will also have a MRI with contrast and it will be more in-depth than the rapid MRI this will tell us of true sizes of the tumor and how much it has actually grown. 

Christopher was nominated for Make a Wish and was approved. We are waiting on a representative to call to make a plan. He is wanting friends to go with him and make a wish will not pay for that so we are now raising money for his friends to join us once we have a plan in place. 

Our journey began when my son, Christopher, was just 1 year old, and doctors discovered a tumor on his brainstem. In 2019, he underwent a craniotomy, and thankfully, the tumor was found to be non-cancerous ( this has changed as it is now malignant )after a biopsy. However, we were informed that there was still a possibility the tumor could grow and block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

This November, Christopher began experiencing severe headaches, prompting us to take him to the emergency room at Children’s Hospital. After a CT scan and an MRI, we learned that the tumor had grown three times in size since the previous year. It was now obstructing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in his brain, which can cause dangerous complications, including:

Enlarged ventricles: When cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow is blocked, the brain's ventricles widen, which affects normal brain function.

Increased pressure: The buildup of excess fluid creates pressure on the brain's tissues, which can disrupt its normal processes.

Potential brain damage or death: If left untreated, this condition can lead to permanent brain damage or even be fatal.

Christopher underwent emergency surgery to have a drain installed to allow fluid to circulate again. While this is a temporary solution, the underlying issue with the tumor remains, and next Thursday, his neurosurgeon’s tumor board will meet to discuss the next steps for treatment.

Throughout this challenging time, we’ve also been faced with mounting medical bills totaling over $5,000. Additionally, I have had to miss work to care for him, resulting in financial strain and difficulty keeping up with regular bills. With Christopher's insurance coverage canceled earlier this year, we’ve been navigating the complexities of securing coverage and waiting for CHIP to kick in, which doesn’t take effect until January.

We are doing everything we can to manage his health and our family’s needs, but we are reaching out for support. If anyone is able to help, whether financially or with resources for medical bills, it would mean the world to us. Your kindness and support during this difficult journey are deeply appreciated.

Cost breakdown:

Medical $5000

Travel Expense: $3000

Make A Wish Trip: $4000

Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts, and for any assistance you can provide during this trying time.

If you are not comfortable donating on here I have listed below other options:

CashApp $sweettexaskimmie

Venmo @KimberliDianne

Paypal @kimdcoomer

Zelle 9034879228 (connected to my phone number)