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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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.

Community Spotlight: Tumor Trot 2024

Community Spotlight: Tumor Trot 2024

After Marin was diagnosed with a brain tumor, her family was inspired to bring their local community together for their annual Tumor Trot that supports children like Marin around the country facing this devastating disease.

Pediatric Brain Tumors Shouldn’t Be Ignored Because They're Uncomfortable to Talk About

Pediatric Brain Tumors Shouldn’t Be Ignored Because They're Uncomfortable to Talk About

My brain tumor experience is something I think about every day of my life, but the outside world likes to erase that and pretend it didn’t happen. It’s too “taboo” or “uncomfortable.” So, this year, on the 7th anniversary of my surgery, I want to talk about it.

Valentina: Living with Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma

Valentina: Living with Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma

In June 2018, Valentina was diagnosed with a pediatric low-grade glioma with a BRAF mutation. At the time, she was only one year old. Surgery was not an option, so her family had two choices for treatment—traditional chemotherapy or an experimental treatment suitable for her type of mutation.

Zoe: A Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivor’s Love of Books Opens the Door to New Research Funding

Zoe: A Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivor’s Love of Books Opens the Door to New Research Funding

Combining her love for reading and desire to give back to help kids with brain tumors like her, Zoe created Books 4 Brains to raise money for pediatric brain cancer research. Join her upcoming Books 4 Brains read-a-thon and support the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's research funding efforts.

Community Spotlight: Par for the Kids

Community Spotlight: Par for the Kids

After Bennett was diagnosed with a brain tumor, his parents decided to do something not only for their son, but for the thousands of kids in their community and around the world who are living with brain cancer.

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