#teamEYDEN

Ashleigh Pilotte is organizing this fundraiser.

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August 2013. The first time I met Eyden he wanted nothing to do with me. He hid in his room and made it clear that he did not want to talk to his new teachers or go to his new school. At the time, I had just started working at a new elementary school in the pre-k class, and as part of the staff, we were doing home visits where we introduce ourselves to the families and kids that would soon be in our classroom. Eyden's visit is still one I'll never forget. I remember his mom, Liza, pleading with him to come out and meet us. She said over and over that this is not how Eyden normally acts, that he is normally very sweet and enjoys learning.

School soon started and it was a battle to get Eyden to class. He wanted to stay with his mom, as a lot of children do when they first start school, yet he would stand by the classroom door and beg to go home. This little boy stole my heart and I quickly began working to earn his trust and helping him to partcipate in classroom activities. Eyden became what some co-workers coined as my "little shadow." He would sit next to me during circle time and centers as well as walk with me in the halls and follow me on the playground. Although I also gave my time and attention to other kids, Eyden would sit quietly, close by at all times.

Time passed and Eyden was doing much better in the classroom setting; however, other staff and I noticed that he would stumble, fall down, and struggle with balance in general. Eyden's mom noticed it as well, but we all thought it was just part of Eyden growing into his body. It wasn't until the falls came more often and he started to develop some other issues when his mom, Liza thought, this isn't normal, and she took him to the doctor.

That day changed everything. Eyden wasn't in school Monday. Tuesday morning I was called to the office to talk with Eyden's mom on the phone. Personally I was expecting, "Eyden's home with a stomach bug," or "Eyden has a fever," but that's not what I heard. I heard Liza choking back tears, then she managed to squeak out, "Eyden is in Levine Children's Hospital with an inoperable brain tumor." My heart dropped, my stomach was in my throat and I had no words.

Eyden was diagnosed with

Pontine Glioma

, an inoperable brain tumor due to the location and growth. After a surgery to place a shunt in his head to relieve some pressure, he began treatment in efforts to shrink the tumor and allow Eyden to continue being a kid for as long as possible. A few months later, he was doing well and he was back in school playing like any other kid his age.

Unfortunately, after recent tests, the tumor has grown back, and there are no other treatment options left. Eyden has hospice visiting his house and his mom has quit work to stay home with him and his little brother Jesten.

As we all know, finances can be a burden on a good day, but even more so when medical bills are piling up. Liza (Eyden's mom) is a hard worker and dedicated to always doing what is best for her boys. If you are able to join together in praying and/or donating, I know that your gift, small or big, will be a tremendous help to this family as they face this unwelcomed and unimaginable reality.

I am reaching out for financial help for this family so they can enjoy these days together as a family and not worrying about finances.

Thank you in advance.

Ashleigh Pilotte

Exodus 14:14, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”