Patrick’s Recovery Through Laughter, Learning, and Sheer Determination

For 21-year-old Patrick, life was full of activity and education. As a martial artist, student at Kent State University, and lover of new languages and cultures, Patrick was thriving. But in November 2023, things began to shift when he started experiencing daily episodes of vertigo.

Initially, the vertigo was manageable with therapy. Then, in February, symptoms resembling Bell’s Palsy appeared, causing temporary facial paralysis that shifted from one side of his face to the other. Despite these challenges, Patrick continued his active lifestyle, traveling to Italy in March and performing at an Asian festival just a week before receiving a diagnosis that would change everything.

A Shocking Discovery

Following the festival, Patrick’s parents noticed his speech was slurred. Concerned, they urged him to see a doctor who ordered an MRI. The results were devastating—a large tumor was discovered in his brain. “We were numb,” recalls Patrick’s mom Patricia and his father, Vancroft. “We wondered, ‘What is happening to our child?’ He’s living this amazing life, then suddenly, everything changed.”

On May 30th, Patrick underwent a 16-hour surgery at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center to remove a medulloblastoma. It was the first of four surgeries in a difficult recovery that included draining fluid buildup from his brain, placing a reservoir to maintain proper drainage, and inserting a port for ongoing chemotherapy treatments.

In the months since his diagnosis, Patrick’s world has transformed. “Following the surgery, my athletic college student who speaks eight different languages could no longer walk, talk, write or even smile.” He now works tirelessly in physical and speech therapy, steadily rebuilding these skills. His left side is still weak, but his determination is unwavering. “Patrick is so funny and in great spirits, he’s determined not to let this stop him” says Patricia. Vancroft shared, “Patrick has been preparing for this even if he didn’t know he was, he is focused.”

Patrick’s studies at Kent State University were paused during his treatment, but he plans to return in the spring to continue pursuing a degree in exercise science. Meanwhile, Patricia has spent the past six months in Ohio, stepping away from her full-time job in Pittsburgh to work part-time remotely while she cares for her son.

Facing Financial and Emotional Challenges

The experience has presented significant financial and emotional challenges. Patricia and Vancroft highlight one of the biggest hurdles: “There are more resources for kids 18 and under than there are for someone who’s 21.” Still, their determination to find support has made a difference.  “Asking questions, reaching out to charitable organizations, and having an incredible social worker guide us through the entire process has been a game-changer,” she says.

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF), which was recommended to Patricia by Patrick’s social worker at UH Cleveland Medical Center, has been a lifeline for the family, providing resources and timely responses to their requests and questions. “PBTF’s emails and advice seem to come just when need them most,” Patricia says. “They’ve even helped us explore Medicaid options to cover more of Patrick’s care, including the possibility of a caretaker so I can return to Pittsburgh.”

Finding Joy in the Journey

Despite the obstacles, Patrick continues to pursue his passions. A tea enthusiast, he enjoys exploring and discussing all varieties of leaf teas. He’s also deeply interested in languages and cultures, learning Jamaican Patois, Spanish and Japanese and even teaching himself Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Danish, and Italian.

Patrick has returned to the gym, focusing on exercises like riding a recumbent bike and training with his martial arts instructor and friend, who encourages him with the mantra, “You can do anything for five.” He is able to write again and is speaking more clearly – both significant milestones on his road to recovery. Patrick is also working hard to regain his smile and other facial movements, and is now able to walk short distances without assistance.

Patricia and Vancroft’s advice to families facing similar challenges is simple yet powerful: “Ask as many questions as you can think of and don’t assume anything. It’s okay to need help, and there are resources out there— you just have to look for them.”

Support for Families Like Patrick’s

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, or email [email protected].

To learn more about becoming an advocate with PBTF, visit curethekids.org/advocacy. You can also reach out to our Patient Family Advocacy team by completing this brief form or emailing [email protected]anytime.

Related Stories

Related Updates

Related Resources

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.