12-Year-Old Brain Tumor Patient Krystalyn Embodies the Power of Positivity

“We’re just taking life one day at a time and doing what we have to do,” shares Krystal Boman whose 12-year-old daughter, Krystalyn, is navigating life with multiple brain tumors – and unwavering positivity.

Krystalyn’s journey began in 2019 after she sustained a concussion on the school playground. While being evaluated at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, doctors confirmed the concussion but also made a shocking, unrelated discovery: Krystalyn had a tumor the size of a golf ball on the right side of her brain.

“I was really scared,” recalls Krystal. “We went from dealing with a concussion to facing a brain tumor diagnosis within just a few hours.” Thankfully, the tumor was benign, and the doctors recommended monitoring it closely. For over three years, the tumor remained unchanged. But in 2023, it suddenly grew from the size of a golf ball to that of a grapefruit. On June 16, 2023, Krystalyn underwent successful surgery to remove it.

“When Krystalyn was first diagnosed, I started a Facebook page called ‘Standing with Krystalyn’ to keep everyone updated on her progress. It’s amazing how many people from all over the world now follow her story.”

After her surgery, Krystalyn expressed her desire to become a cosmetologist. Her mother decided to do all she could to support her daughter’s dream and enrolled her in some cosmetology classes. Local salon owners even invited Krystalyn to work at their shops. “Our community and her Facebook followers just poured their love and support into her! They sent salon chairs, hair products, everything. Our sunroom is filled with them!” Krystal shares.

But in June of this year, Krystalyn’s journey took an unexpected turn. She began feeling unwell and disoriented. “We were at a local event, and she asked me when we were going to go to the event,” Krystal remembers. “I knew something wasn’t right.”

By that evening, they were back at Children’s Hospital where doctors drained 30 milliliters of fluid from Krystalyn’s brain. To their dismay, they also discovered five more benign tumors, all inoperable. “When the doctor came in after finding the tumors, he said, ‘I have good news and bad news.’ Krystalyn told him, ‘Give me the bad news first.’” The doctor informed her of the new tumors but added that a new treatment – with fewer side effects than chemo – is available. Krystalyn’s response? “All right, so when can we get started? I’m tired of being here.”

Krystalyn’s positive, can-do approach to life is a constant source of inspiration to those around her. Both she and her mother lean heavily on their faith. “Her motto is, ‘God has never failed me, and he’s not about to start,’” says Krystal of her daughter. “With that kind of attitude, we have no choice but to follow her lead. She handles everything with such grace. She smiles through every treatment and every blood draw. She’s just like, ‘Hey, it is what it is. This is where we are. What do we need to do?’”

Krystal attributes her family’s strength and hope to their willingness to ask for and receive help, particularly through therapy. “This can really take a toll on the whole family,” she explains. “For a long time, people asked how Krystalyn was doing, which was wonderful, but fewer people thought to ask about her 9-year-old brother Keegan or her dad, Ty. I realized they needed support too.” 

“There are so many resources out there, but I wouldn’t have known about them if I hadn’t spoken up and asked, ‘What can I do for help in this area?’” says Krystal. “That’s how I found out about the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and counseling for my son, my husband, and myself. We got connected through our hospital social worker.”

Despite the challenges they face, Krystalyn and her family believe that their experiences and the knowledge they gain from her treatments will one day help others. That hope, along with the potential for a less invasive treatment for Krystalyn’s tumors, provides them the strength to keep moving forward.

If you or a family you know has received a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis and is in need of support – whether emotional, financial, or medical – the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is here to help. Visit  https://curethekids.org/resource/support-for-families/ to access a wealth of information and community support for every phase of a family’s experience – from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. You can also reach out to our Patient Family Advocacy team by completing this brief form or emailing [email protected] anytime.