About Stefan

Know your enemy:

Stefan's brain tumor is diffuse and infiltrative. That means it is not a solid tumor - it has no distinct borders, making it inoperable. Instead, it is a group of mutant cells growing rapidly, following the normal channels of the brain, and pushing normal brain tissue aside. Stefan has now called his tumor "The Northern Aggression". Anyone knowing Stefan will appreciate his love of Civil War history and will understand this term. We are trying to utilize positive imaging in our attempt to fight this monster back. "Stonewall Jackson" is on the ride in his bloodstream (immune system) to fight these lil buggers off!

In December, Stefan fell and hit his head on the monkey bars while playing at recess. Less than 48 hours later, he developed the first of many headaches and was throwing up. He was taken to several different doctors, each giving a different, and clearly wrong, diagnosis. Stefan got worse over the next couple months and on February 14th, he had such a bad attack that he needed to be taken to the hospital. Throughout February and March, Stefan was in several different hospitals getting care from the best doctors in the United States. Diagnostic tools thus far have included 6 CT scans, one PET scan, 6 MRIs, 2 spinal taps (lumbar puncture operation), and a brain biopsy. We recieved final confirmation on April 19th that he has Gliomatosis Cerebri with Oligodendrite components. You can find info about it at http://www.stjude.org/disease-summaries/0,2557,449_2160_7241,00.html.

Right now, Stefan is at home with his family, doing slightly better. Please keep him in your prayers and hope that he gets through this tough time soon.