Survivor

I started getting very sick when I was 7 years old. I went to many different doctors and had tests done, but still no answers. The last option was a neurologist. We went into her office and started her initial exam. Within a few minutes of looking into my eyes, she advised us to go straight to the hospital. Thankfully, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital was right down the street.

The next day, I was having surgery to remove the tumor. Thankfully, they removed it all, and it was benign. The recovery wasn’t the easiest, and getting back into my old routine took years. I’m thankful I’m here today to tell my story. The amazing neurologist Dr Dombrowski and Surgeon Luis Rodriguez saved my life. They told my parents I wouldn’t have made it much longer had they not found the tumor. Joe DiMaggio was so amazing and made the experience easier. I still remember one of my favorite nurses’ names, Marigold. Here’s a fun fact: I named my puppy after her. The clown Lotsy Dotsy was so amazing and always knew how to cheer me up.

Opinions expressed within this story belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of the National Brain Tumor Society.