Amazing Girl. Amazing Fight.

Name:Makayla

Age: 4-1/2

Makayla's Challenge:Stage Three Malignant Brain Tumor (Anaplastic Astrocytoma)

Makayla's Story:

March 30th is a day Makayla and her family will never forget.  While her dad was bringing her to preschool, Makayla started acting differently.  She was very sleepy and was not responding.  She also was not able to walk anymore.  Immediately Makayla was rushed to the ER where they intubated and airlifted her to Sanford Children's hospital, because they thought she had had a seizure.  Many tests were run, but all came back negative except for a "spot" which had shown up on the MRI.  Doctors had ruled everything out and attributed the "spot" on the MRI as a result of the seizure.

Makayla was discharged Friday, April 2nd.  Over the weekend, Makayla complained of a "sprinkling" feeling to her right leg and arm.  Calls were made to the neurologist, but they thought she was having more seizure activity.  Monday night she complained of a horrible headache that caused her to cry.  Her neurologist was called yet again, and scheduled an EEG for the next morning to monitor brain activity to determine if small seizures were occurring.  The EEG results came and back appeared to be mostly normal.  Her doctor decided to admit her and monitor her throughout the night and repeat an MRI in the morning.

Her symptoms seemed to be worsening rather rapidly, so they decided to move the MRI up to 10 pm.  When the MRI was completed around midnight the doctors met with her family, and they told them that she likely had an abscess on her brain and they needed to airlift her to Minneapolis Children's Hospital to have surgery to drain the abscess.

When the neurosurgeons reviewed the MRI's they did not feel that it was typical presentation for an abscess and decided to run further tests before performing surgery.  Another MRI with contrast was performed and they decided from there to do a biopsy of the area.  The biopsy later diagnosed Makayla with a stage three malignant brain tumor.

Makayla's Fight:

As Makayla continues to fight her stage three malignant brain tumor she will be doing radiation and chemotherapy.  Makayla's an inspiring story of strength and bravery.  Makayla is a big sister to brother, Treyton, who is 2, and a baby sister, Kaelyn, who is 10 months.

Please join us as we continue to help Makayla and her family through prayers, encouragement, and financial support.