Stories

Children with brain tumors and their families deserve to be seen and heard. The following stories feature families' and survivors' perspectives about the cancer journey from across the pediatric brain tumor community.

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From Despair to Hope: How Advocacy Saved Audrey's Life

From Despair to Hope: How Advocacy Saved Audrey's Life

Audrey, a spirited 5-year-old from Spartanburg, South Carolina, embodies a story defined by perseverance, the power of love, and a mother’s relentless determination to uncover the truth behind her child’s mysterious symptoms.

Advocacy Takes Many Forms – Gretchen Spreads PBTF’s Mission via Pageant Competitions

Advocacy Takes Many Forms – Gretchen Spreads PBTF’s Mission via Pageant Competitions

“I finally found my community, and it was life-changing,” says Gretchen about finding the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and participating in a Ride for Kids event in 2017 when she was 16. “It took me almost 12 years to find people that I could actually have a conversation with [about my diagnosis and treatment], and my mom and dad felt that way too. It was an immediate bond with these families that we were meeting for the first time.” 

Mick: A Childhood On Hold

Mick: A Childhood On Hold

"Children should not have to go through this disease and its treatments. You only get one childhood, and it hurts my heart to know that my son’s got taken away."

Alyssa: A Legacy of Faith and Helping Others

Alyssa: A Legacy of Faith and Helping Others

Alyssa was a bright and energetic child, excited to start sixth grade. She had just switched schools, and the upcoming year held the promise of new friendships and opportunities. But soon, Alyssa's journey took an unexpected and heart-wrenching turn. 

Swift Action, Rapid Recovery: Ian's Story Highlights the Power of Early Diagnosis

Swift Action, Rapid Recovery: Ian's Story Highlights the Power of Early Diagnosis

On January 25 of this year, two-year-old Ian’s mom, Yaimary, noticed her son walking with his head consistently tilted at an odd angle. Concerned, she scheduled an appointment with his pediatrician that same day. After a thorough examination, the pediatrician sent Ian and his mom directly to the emergency room where a CT scan revealed a mass at the back of the child’s head.

Advocating for Graham: It Takes a Family, a Village, and a Little Help from PBTF

Advocating for Graham: It Takes a Family, a Village, and a Little Help from PBTF

It’s been a year and a half since Graham, who is four, was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma, a low-grade, slow-growing brain tumor. “On Christmas morning Graham was super lethargic. He didn’t want to wake up, which we assumed was due to the long day of travel the day before. But then he had no interest in opening presents. All he wanted to do was nap,” his mother, Abbie, recalls.

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