Stand with Sophie

October 12, 2016 is a date that is forever branded on our minds and hearts. This was the day we heard the words “brain tumor” in reference to our 3-year-old daughter Sophie. Since that date, she has undergone two brain surgeries, two MRI’s, two CT scans and an X-Ray – all of this in three weeks’ time. She is one tough girl and an inspiration for all! Sophie will continue to amaze and dazzle as she conquers chemo treatments too. She is set on a chemo regimen of once a month until Christmas 2017. Over the next year, she will have one treatment per month, an MRI every 3 months and an audiogram every 6 months.

Sophie’s tumor is a pilomyxoide astrocytoma – a low-grade glioma. This is not likely to spread to the rest of her body and, God willing, will be controlled with chemo. The tumor, however, will never be “gone.” Sophie will have this forever and will be monitored for it the rest of her life. This may only consist of regular imaging to gauge progress and growth, it may consist of more surgeries. Only her body will be able to tell us that.
Sophie is silly and spunky. Prior to her diagnosis, she had lost that fire and was tired - all the time. Since surgery, her spunk is back! She loves all things purple, monkeys and turtles. When I say love, I mean LOVE. She loves with all of her heart and is so passionate about life. As a toddler, being passionate was the nicest word I could use to describe my stubborn, driven, fire-cracker; as a hospital patient, this drive is what she is using to get herself well before the expected timelines. She is determined to do things by herself and for herself.

Any and all procedures, surgeries and images are done in Salt Lake – a 500 mile round trip drive. This is not an ideal drive for the strong, let alone the weak. Sophie is strong at heart, yet weak in body. Sophie is cared for by her mom, dad and big sister who doubles as the ideal nurse. This is her support, along with every person that crosses her path and accepts her hugs. Your support in any way is appreciated more than you know – thoughts, prayers, financials and hugs.