Support the Milstead Family

On Thursday, April 20th, Allie went to the doctor because she was having a lot of headaches and in the CT scan they found a mass, about the size of a golf ball, in the fourth ventricle of her brain. It had blocked the normal flow of fluids, causing a buildup, which was causing her headaches.

She was sent straight to Children's Hospital where she was admitted to the Picu and underwent surgery to remove the tumor first thing Monday morning. She was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. They were able to remove most of the tumor. Since surgery Allie is doing well, talking and eating, but she is still working on regaining balance while walking and is having some vision difficulties.

They are hoping to go home early next week, then will be back the following week to have a lumbar puncture done to determine what stage the cancer is in and to install a port for chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and radiation will start within the next month. Radiation will start at 5 days a week for 8 weeks with chemotherapy once a week, then more aggressive chemotherapy after radiation is finished.

When asked if she was scared when the Doctor told her what they had found on her CT scan Allie said, "Yeah. Not for me though ...for everyone else."

Allie is in good spirits. She is sunshine personified as usual and all of the hospital staff have been remarking about that as well. They have had a wonderful team of specialists caring for her and for the family. From the picu nurses, neurologists, oncologists, anesthesiologists, etc., they have peace that they are in good hands.

Financial costs:

Bethany being in the hospital with Allie is cutting half of the family's income. Friends are helping out with the farm while they are in the hospital, but that does not replace the full-time income from teaching classes and sending refunds to those who had already paid for their services. With Allie's ongoing treatment their income from the farm will be paused until further notice.

The cost of medical bills after insurance is still to be determined.

Right now a significant cost is gas driving back and forth to the hospital along with trying to purchase healthy food and other natural items to support Allie in recovery.

Thank you for supporting the family, they are so grateful for all of the love and care they have received and sense the Lord answering so many prayers!