Cecily's Brain Surgery & Cancer Treatment

My name is Adele and my 7-year-old niece (from love, not blood), Cecily Neddo, was recently rushed to Devos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan (from Maple City, Michigan) after doctors discovered a brain tumor.

This tumor has been extremely aggressive, with symptoms arising over only a few weeks and a need for immediate action. The surgery took place on January 24, 2023, and after a 12-hour surgery, the doctors are feeling optimistic that they removed all of the tumor.

Unfortunately, the pathology on the tumor informed us that Cecily's is indeed cancerous, but treatable.

Cecily has a long road ahead of her to treat and recover from both surgery and cancer radiation treatments. In March, Cecily will undergo a 6-week radiation treatment in Grand Rapids (nearly 3-hours from Cecily's family home in Northern Michigan). Her cancer is fast growing, and there are some scary possibilities on the table, but doctors are also optimistic about her treatment plan.

This is not only a life-changing event for Cecily, her family, and loved ones but a time when Cecily and her family need financial support. Support to give her the best opportunity for treatment, recovery and a healthy, happy life... as every child deserves.

I'm taken aback by the strength of Cecily's parents, Liz and Chad, who say they are scared and fearful, but also feel lucky and blessed. The outpour of support from their community of knitters, Leland and Glen Lake Schools, family and so many, many friends have meant the world to them. No family should go through this alone, and I hope we can continue to support the Neddo family through this crisis and help them find the silver lining in this hard time.

From the moment I met Cecily as a baby, she has been filled with joy and an unending curiosity for life. Perhaps every aunt says this about their niece, but she has so much life to live and continued joy to bring. She questions everything, and her doctors and family have done their best to put this experience in perspective for her. Cecily is extremely resilient. In-between moments of anger or confusion after this painful surgery, she is smiling and singing like her happy self. I can't wait to see what she will continue to bring into the world for years to come.

Here's a quick note from Cecily's mom, Liz:

"We cannot say 'thank you enough for all of your beautiful support! We are taken aback--speechless--by all the love, wishes, prayers, gifts, and favors you all have showered us with. You are all making such a difference in this journey for our Cecily. Know how much we love and appreciate our wonderful community for this!"

Items that Cecily and her family need financial support with:

We are thankful that the majority of the main medical bills are taken care of with Children’s Special Health Care Services, however, much of the additional support Cecily needs to recover and thrive is not covered, as listed below.

Thank you for helping the people I love most in this world. Every little bit helps, and if we can make this experience even 1% better for Cecily and her family, that is something beautiful.