Larson's Cause

Michaela

On November 15, 2018, Michaela went for a scheduled MRI due to recent migraine like headaches. During the MRI, doctors discovered a large mass on the back of her brain and attached to her brain stem. Later diagnosed as a Pilocytic Astrocytoma Brain Tumor. She was immediately taken for an emergency surgery where they placed an external ventricular drain to relieve the pressure from massive amounts of cerebrospinal fluid surrounding her brain. The following day she underwent a 9-hour surgery where her neurosurgeon and team of doctors were able to safely and successfully remove about 90% of the tumor. The portion left behind, is tightly attached to her brain stem. Michaela spent 2 weeks in PICU at Children’s Mercy where she worked incredibly hard with Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, followed by 2 months at home recovering. Michaela goes every 3 months for a scan and meets with her neurosurgeon to monitor the remaining tumor. Another surgery and possible direct radiation zap will be the next steps in her treatment plan when the tumor has shifted to a safer location. Michaela is doing well and ready to finish the 1st grade. She plans on spending her summer trying tennis for the first time and swimming every day!

Our family will forever hold a special place in our hearts for Larson’s Cause! Because of the financial support graciously given to us by Larson’s Cause, we were able to breath from the stress related to loss of income while missing work, so our sole focus could be on our sweet girl and family

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