Tanner Fights Spinal Cord Tumor

Tanner went for a self funded MRI in August of 2016, brought on by significant nerve pain and coordination loss. At the point the MRI revealed an intramedullary spinal cord tumor. This meant that the tumor was inside of his spinal cord, as opposed to an extramedullary spinal cord tumor, which attaches to the outside of the spinal cord.

The difference is significant as opening up the spinal cord to remove the tumor is extremely risky, especially in the thoracic region where Tanner is afflicted. Upon further examination it was determined that the tumor was very large, spanning 11.5cm from C7 to T7. As his motor function and quality of life degraded rapidly, he decided surgical removal of the tumour was the only logical course of action.

At this point in time Tanner has undergone 2 surgeries (July 12 when half the tumour was removed and July 26 when they successfully removed the rest of he tumor). Tanner is waiting for a referral to the Cross Cancer Clinic as well as an assessment to get into Glenrose Rehabilitation Center. If you know Tanner you will also know that reaching out like this is a last resort.

Whatever you are able to give please know that any amount helps to ease the financial burden of Tanner's battle. THANK YOU for all your prayers and compassion. With kindest regards and appreciation we can't express how much your support means to us as a family.