On Friday, April 3rd Kaylee went to CHOP and was diagnosed with a tumor (“mass”) in the lower part of her brain. She had surgery to remove the mass on Monday, April 6th and her neurosurgeon is optimistic they got it all. Over the following weeks, it was determined Kaylee had a pilocytic astrocytoma which is a slow-growing, benign (WHO Grade I) mass. It is highly treatable with >90% cure rates via surgical resection. Her surgeons are confident they were able to resect it all during surgery.

However, during her recovery, Kaylee unfortunately has developed a significant case of posterior fossa syndrome (PFS). She will need to remain at CHOP for an extended recovery and then will go to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. This process could last at least 8-10 months. Despite all this Kaylee and her parents, Jen & Brian, have remained strong and kind.

During this ordeal, Jen has been unable to work as the OPS part time nurse. She has essentially been living at CHOP with Kaylee to be with her during her various appointments and overall recovery. We are calling on the community to not only continue to send their positive thoughts and prayers, but to also help lift some of the financial burden of ongoing medical bills and essentials as they navigate the rest of the year. The Yoder family has been a strong presence in the Oaklyn and Collingswood communities for many years. Not only are Jen and Brian both Collingswood graduates, but Jen has been an active part of the Oaklyn community, not just as an employee, but also with various activities organized by the town and PTA. Anything big or small would be greatly appreciated during this difficult time.