Brayden was diagnosed in March 2023 with a Pineal Germinoma. Which is a rare but very treatable brain tumor. He was diagnosed in the ER at Centennial Children’s hospital. Brayden was sick in late February of 2023 and diagnosed with strep. His symptoms were tiredness, stomach ache, and headache. A few days later he began vomiting in the mornings. We went from primary care to another Children’s hospital and finally told he had a virus. Centennial was our 4th or 5th attempt to figure out what was wrong. The Dr in the ER- Dr Jaegar was wonderful and actually listened when we told him we know it’s not a virus. He had lost 14 pounds at that point and had very little appetite and double vision at times. He ordered a CT scan and told us the unfortunate news that night. We were admitted and began seeing Dr. Domm who remained our Oncologist throughout the journey. She and her staff were great as well. She sent us to Vanderbilt and Brayden had surgery to relieve the hydrocephalus causing the double vision. Dr. Dewan a neuro surgeon there performed the surgery. He was wonderful as well. Once he recovered from surgery he began chemo and then radiation at Sarah Cannon. Brayden has been cancer free since August of 2023. He is back in school and doing very well now. We were very blessed as we realize it could be much worse.

Every child diagnosed with childhood cancer inspires us to Rally On to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures. Please join us in the fight against childhood cancer by making a donation or setting up your own Rally fundraiser today.