The Penn Family for Avery Penn Medical Expenses

Update:

Since our initial campaign, it was found that the mass pressing on the gland is malignant. Avery will soon undergo several rounds of chemotherapy after the placement of a chemo-port. After several rounds, they will conduct an MRI to see the status and how to move forward. We continue to appreciate the care and response. Please check our updates area for any updates as the days go on. Thank you!

Hello everyone,

As some of you may know, Avery Penn (age 11) has been struggling with terrible headaches recently. Jessica and Tyler Penn, Avery’s parents, have been monitoring the headaches closely and have had multiple doctor and hospital visits. The headaches Avery has been experiencing have been accompanied by vomiting and extreme pain.

Saturday evening, March 23rd, 2024 Jessica and Tyler felt Avery’s condition had worsened and they could not find any relief for him so they decided to take Avery back to Columbia to MU Children's Hospital. It was at this time the doctors ordered MRI Imaging of Avery’s brain. Unfortunately, the MRI results showed a large mass in the pineal area of Avery’s brain which is causing hydrocephalus, explaining the extreme pain, and vomiting.

The team of doctors decided it was best to admit Avery to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, to closely monitor the mass and pressure on Avery’s brain. Next, they did a lumbar puncture that was sent off to test the cerebral spinal fluid, to see if this will give the doctors more information about the mass. These tests have been sent off to Mayo and still waiting results. As of today, they are placing a drain in Avery’s skull, to relieve pressure which will hopefully relieve the pain and vomiting symptoms. The next step will be to biopsy the mass to find out what they are dealing with hopefully.

At this time, Avery’s hospital stay looks rather extensive, in addition to when he is released, he will have an aggressive radiation and potential chemotherapy plan. The recent weeks have turned their world upside down.

As many of you know Jessica is a RN and while we are so thankful she has this expertise to help with Avery’s care, the expenses are going to add up quickly along with her being out of work to provide the care Avery needs. Tyler is trying to continue working as much as possible while also providing care for Avery and their other two children, Elliot (6) and Mia (13). Anyone who knows Jessica and Tyler, know they would give the very shirt from their backs to help anyone in need, they also never ask for help and are very much “we can do this” type of people. They will overcome this too, but any help we can give them along the way, we know will be greatly appreciated. We are asking that if you are able, please donate to help with the travel cost, food, offsetting medical expenses and any other needs they may incur so they can focus on the very difficult path ahead of them. We know they will overcome, but we hope the assistance from this can lessen the hardship and challenge for the entire family, including the kids!

Thank you!