Erin shows bravery in brain tumor battle
With many friends and boundless energy, Erin seems to always have a smile on her face. When Erin started complaining of headaches and nausea three years ago, her mom Mary Colleen, knew something wasn't right. She brought Erin to a neurologist who found a blurred optic nerve and immediately referred the family to Tadanori Tomita, MD, head of the Division of Neurosurgery and director of the Falk Brain Tumor Center at Children's Memorial Hospital .
Tomita diagnosed Erin with a benign tumor located in the center of her brain. Because of the position of the tumor, surgery to remove it was not an option. Tomita instead inserted a shunt into Erin 's head, successfully controlling the fluid which had been causing her headaches and nausea. Meanwhile, a brain scan showed that the tumor was growing and had changed its shape. Erin began a course of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. Every Friday, Erin and her parents made the long drive from their suburban home to Children's Memorial so Erin could receive treatment. Nearly two years later, the tumor has shrunk and Erin's headaches are gone. Erin feels great and is now able to enjoy all of her favorite hobbies like soccer and hanging out with her friends.
Throughout her ordeal Erin never complained, even when she lost all her hair or when she had to miss most of her sixth grade soccer season. Erin has been an inspiration to her family and friends. “She's not afraid of anything,” says Mary Colleen.
Children's Memorial Hospital seeks philanthropic funding to enhance its programs and services. As a proud partner of the Children's Miracle Network (CMN), all funds raised in the Chicago area through CMN also benefit Children's Memorial. To find out how your support can help the hospital better serve children and families, please contact the Children's Memorial Foundation at 773.880.4237 or Foundation@childrensmemorial.org.