Let us introduce you to Aiden. Aiden is an incredible human, a wonderful son, a loving brother, a loyal friend, and an awesome student! He is a happy, active 12 year old boy, football is life! Aiden is a lover of all animals, fishing, hunting, and playing his xbox. He collects Pokemon cards and knives and is always proud to show them off to visitors! He is kind, respectful, and always willing to lend a hand.
Unfortunately, Aiden was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. This has been a difficult diagnosis, especially because as of right now, we have more questions than answers. What we do know is that Aiden has a 2.7cm tumor in a difficult location within the brain, and it is affecting several important components. We know that it was present and missed on a CT scan from 2 years ago when it was much smaller in size. Aiden has some calcification on his brain from his body trying to kill this tumor. His hypothalamus and pituitary stalk are no longer visible due to this mass. His optic chiasm is displaced and encompassed by the tumor. His optic tracts and mammillary bodies are displaced. Aiden's tumor is extending either into or from the recesses of the third ventricle. It is also snuggled up tightly to the main arteries in his brain.
The tumor board at Children's of Alabama met and discussed Aiden's case, but no-one could agree on the exact type of tumor nor a treatment plan. We have met with the Endocrinologist and Neuro-Oncology. Aiden's growth hormones are almost nonexistent despite being in active puberty, this is due to the pituitary stalk being encompassed. We are awaiting his tumor marker results from his spinal tap and hope to have an official diagnosis (tumor type), and a plan of action for treatment once those are received.
The outpouring of love and support for our sweet Aiden has been overwhelming but so very appreciated! Aiden's Dad and I are very proud people and it is difficult to be in a position where we need outside support of every kind. First and foremost, we need prayers. Prayers will go further than any dollar will, please keep Aiden and our family in your prayers! So many of you have reached out and asked us how or where you can donate monetarily or have asked us to create a fundraiser, so here we are.
I am currently not working, as we have been making multiple trips to the hospital each week and my current line of work requires daily attendance and more time than I have available right now. My husband's company also had a reduction in workforce in the midst of all of this and he was laid off and we lost our insurance. Luckily, he should be starting a new job next week. We are awaiting temporary insurance for Aiden, but in the meantime the medical bills have begun rolling in. We have no idea what kind of cost we are looking at overall, but we wanted to start somewhere for those of you who have been asking.
We are so grateful for the support whether it be prayer, a donation, a share of this fundraiser, or just some words of encouragement. Aiden knowing he has such a wonderful, large support system who love him will help him along this journey.
Aiden has been so positive through all of this and has probably handled it better than any of us. He has been so concerned about how we are all doing with his diagnosis. He is worried about his sister and his best friend who have both taken this news hard. He is worried about his Dad and I. He is such a compassionate and empathetic human. I do not know a boy with a kinder heart. He has even asked me about continuing to fundraise annually for brain cancer and tumor research, and to help other children and families in need. We intend to do just that. His story and many others will be a beautiful testimony. He is truly an incredible human!
Thank you all for the outpouring of love and support, and for taking the time to get to know a little about our sweet Aiden. We will post updates as we learn more. We can't wait to share his story of victory and triumph!
This too shall pass.
