Rebecca proves to me, and I hope to others, why more research is needed in the field of pediatric brain tumors, in particular, low grade gliomas.  Rebecca came to us an avid athlete - a track star, actually - with a slow-growing tumor called a ganglioglioma.  She had part of the tumor removed but because of its location, a decision was it was not possible to remove all of it.  We would see Rebecca in clinic every few months for MRI scans, and to make sure she was well.  Rebecca always took these visits in stride and would let us know, very succinctly, how she was doing: “I’m just fine ... thanks.”  Once the topic turned to running, and her latest track victory, you could see her eyes light up, and after a while we realized that her performance on the track was the best way to measure how she was doing overall.

After several scans we noted that the tumor was growing, albeit very slowly, but enough to lead us to decide that a course of chemotherapy was going to be required.  Rebecca continued to run and compete through this treatment, but after a while she felt that her performance wasn’t as good as it had been, and sure enough, we found that the tumor had continue to grow a little more.  While Rebecca continued to say to us, “I’m just fine ... thanks” it was without the usual smile.  We also knew that the change in her athletic performance meant otherwise, and so after several long discussions we referred Rebecca for radiation therapy at a hospital closer to her home. 

When Rebecca returned for her most recent visit, we found her tumor to be smaller with no evidence of growth.  We were thrilled that not only was she back to running and competing, but was once again adding trophies to her collection from all of her wins.  And when asked how she was doing this time, her usual, “I’m just fine .... thanks” was accompanied by a smile that lit up the exam room.

Rebecca is winning her fight against cancer.  Your donation through the Pan-Mass Challenge will support pediatric neuro-oncology programs at the Jimmy Fund Clinic, directly helping in the care of children and adolescents with brain tumors.  Please click here to make a donation today in honor of Rebecca, her family and her bright future.