Winston's brain cancer journey

Wild, sweet, onery, funny, adorable, loving, crazy, adventurous – how do you describe a three year-old?? Winston Waltz fits all those categories, along with being a brother to four other siblings.

One thing no one EVER thought to add to this list was brain cancer. To be specific, M3 Medulloblastoma.

From the start of this journey, in January 2024, Winston was affected by poor muscle movement, balance issues, lack of coordination; prompting his parents, Graham and Allie Waltz, to seek medical advice and attention. As the symptoms worsened, they were instructed to get an MRI and CT scan which was scheduled for March 1, 2024.

On March 1, Winston was experiencing optic nerve issues which elevated the status of their case to emergent, sending the family to Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in Atlanta, GA. After an emergency CT scan, the doctors found a golf ball sized tumor in his brain. They were immediately admitted.

Winston underwent brain surgery on March 6, 2024 where the neurosurgeon successfully removed the whole tumor. Winston woke up from surgery demonstrating his toughness with anger and language! While we celebrated the success of surgery, Winston still battled vomiting and post surgery pain, having to endure difficult Occupational and Physical Therapy.

In addition, the doctors had placed an External Ventricular Drain (EVD) to drain fluid and reduce swelling in the brain. After successfully removing the EVD, Winston finally left the PICU on March 12, 2024. The family was in good spirits and hopeful to be released from the hospital quickly.

Then the initial pathology report came back on Winston’s tumor. M3 Medulloblastoma. This cancer is incredibly aggressive and the treatment plan will be as equally aggressive and time consuming. Winston and his family are about to embark on a series of unbelievable, surreal events.

Graham, Allie and family are in the first, mind-numbing stage of this journey and are taking it day-by-day, minute-by-minute.

During these last few weeks Graham and Allie have not been able to work, be home with their other children or, as you can imagine, relax. They have been understandably absolutely consumed with being present and strong for Winston in the hospital.

One thing we, as a community, friends and co-workers can do, is help to take the financial strain off of this beautiful family as they embark on this nonsensical, scary part of their life. As you can imagine, the medical bills that are about to start coming in are astronomical.

This GoFundMe is strictly for the Waltz Family. For the medical bills incurred, travel and living expenses, loss of work, the care and feeding of their four other children and all the unexpected costs of daily life.

Please consider Winston and his family in your prayers and thoughts. As Allie reminded us all at the start of this journey, “We can do hard things!” And as sweet Winston loves to exclaim, “Tally-Ho!”