With tremendous sadness, we have heard the words no parents should ever have to hear, yet again: your child has cancer. 

Gabe was diagnosed with a pure germinoma of the pineal gland. His tumor is 2.8 cm x 2.2 cm x 2.3 cm located deep in the middle of the brain. The tumor doesn't typically display many symptoms itself beyond perhaps some wake/sleep cycle disturbance, but the location and size of it has caused symptoms by directly compressing on the brain stem and optic nerves, and by blocking the natural drainage of CSF and causing obstructive hydrocephalus and cerebral edema. The initial symptoms stemming from the hydrocephalus and cerebral edema are what led to him being admitted, and he's been struggling with some of those symptoms since, to a lesser degree with the external drain in place. The hope is the VP shunt will mitigate a lot of these symptoms until the tumor is appropriately addressed. We are working on getting him stable to transfer to Phoenix for continued care. 

It has been an extraordinarily difficult 11 days and it's been very hard to wrap our heads around what's happening, but Gabe is just the sweetest soul. He is always checking in on those around him, making sure everyone is okay. He's been patient, and despite being primarily confined to a bed this entire stay and undergoing three brain surgeries, has not complained. He's vocal about how he's feeling, especially as he's learning his body's signals more in terms of what pressure fluctuations feels like, though slightly annoyed with all the neuro checks. His strength and bravery have been such an inspiration to us all. 

Please keep our tender-hearted boy in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the journey ahead.