Saturday, November 8, 2025

Since being at Barnes-Jewish hospital Mitch has been given two options:

1. Observation with life expectancy of two years. In the two years it is uncertain how his quality of life will be or if he will continue deteriorating.

2. Surgery to remove the tumor.

50% chance of success.

Pros: if the surgery is a success, he will be just as he is with a little more weakness, and the rest of his life ahead.

Cons: the worst case he would be paraplegic from the neck down.

After much consideration Mitch will be pursing a third opinion to gain clarity on how to proceed. They have reached out to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for a third opinion and plan to head there in the coming days.

Please continue to pray for answers, clarity, & healing.

Original post

On Saturday, November 1st, 2025, Mitch Blanco experienced a serious fall while working at home. He hit his head and was rushed by ambulance to Centerpoint Medical Center in Kansas City, MO, where he received stitches above his eyebrow.

This incident was especially concerning because Mitch had already been struggling with stability and mobility issues. He was scheduled to see a specialist in January to investigate these symptoms further. Thankfully, the care team at Centerpoint took swift action and ordered an MRI of his head and spine.

The results were devastating doctors discovered an ependymoma tumor wrapped around his spinal cord, extending from C1 to C4, positioned between the spine and esophagus. Due to the tumor’s size and location, any attempt to remove it could result in paralysis.

Because Centerpoint did not have the specialized resources needed for such a complex case, Mitch was life-flighted to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis on the evening of Wednesday, November 5, where a team of experts is now working to develop a treatment plan.

This sudden and serious diagnosis has turned Mitch’s life upside down. He and his family are facing mounting medical bills, travel expenses, and uncertainty about the future. We are asking for your help to support them during this incredibly difficult time.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden and allow Mitch to focus on healing. If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this campaign with others.

Thank you for your kindness, support, and prayers.