Pushing for Answers: Sutton’s Story 

For Kayleigh and her family, Christmas of 2023 is a holiday season they will never forget—not because of twinkling lights or joyful celebrations, but because it marked the beginning of a journey they never saw coming.

It started with vomiting. On December 22, Sutton, their bright-eyed toddler, got sick. At first, it seemed like a stomach bug. Then the vomiting didn’t stop. Day after day, with only one brief reprieve, Sutton kept getting sick. Despite several visits to doctors across multiple states, they kept hearing the same things: it’s just an ear infection, maybe post-viral acid reflux, or even a lingering virus. But Kayleigh’s gut told her otherwise.

“I left one appointment feeling so uneasy,” she recalls. “Something urged me to call a different pediatrician. That one phone call changed everything.”

The new provider listened. They found a severe double ear infection that should’ve been caught earlier and gave Sutton antibiotics. For a few days, the vomiting stopped, and the family dared to hope. But it quickly returned. Then, a letter arrived from a hospital in Pennsylvania with concerning blood test results. Coupled with Sutton’s ongoing symptoms, his new pediatrician acted immediately—referring him to ECU Health Maynard Children’s Hospital.

On January 24, a CT scan in the pediatric ER revealed a golf ball-sized mass in Sutton’s brain.

“The moment the doctor walked in, I could feel the energy shift,” Kayleigh said. “I just knew.”

Sutton was admitted to the PICU and scheduled for an MRI. Just days later, he underwent an eight-hour surgery to remove the tumor. The diagnosis: a low-grade pilocytic astrocytoma—one of the most common pediatric brain tumors. Sutton’s surgeon was confident in her ability to remove it entirely, and thanks to her skill and Sutton’s strength, the procedure was a success.

The weeks that followed were filled with physical and occupational therapy, first in the hospital and then at home. Through it all, Sutton showed remarkable resilience. Today, he’s thriving—riding his Power Wheels, playing with his big brother, and dreaming about jets like his dad, who serves in the military.

Kayleigh shares, “We were very blessed with little to no deficits, but as parents, we still carry the weight of unknowns. Will there be more growth? Will future scans bring new challenges?”

What keeps her grounded is the lesson she wants every parent to hear: “Never stop pushing for answers. If we had given up or waited, who knows where we’d be. Because we kept pushing, we found the tumor before it found us.”

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation connected Kayleigh to other families and support groups—offering comfort in community and reminding her she’s not alone.

When asked what a world without childhood brain tumors would mean, Kayleigh doesn’t hesitate. “It would mean peace. A childhood uninterrupted. More milestones and less fear. That would be the greatest gift.”

If you’re navigating a similar journey and looking to connect with other families who understand, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is here for you. Reach out to our Family Support team at [email protected] to learn more about resources, programs, and peer connections.