Support Azzy & her family through her DIPG journey
Donation protected
Jordyn Azmarie Powell, known by most as “Azzy,” is 9 years old (soon-to-be 10 on October 30, 2022) and loves to draw, watch anime, read Harry Potter, eat bulgogi and sushi, and play video games, board games, and sports. She is hilariously sassy and quick-witted, especially when playing board games, but also sweet and caring with a heart of gold. Her mom, Azucena, dad, Jordan, and bonus dad, Chris, all agree that Azzy is the best big sister to her brothers, Avery and Calvin, both of whom she adores with all her heart.
On July 21, 2022, our sweet Azzy was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (“DIPG”). On July 25, 2022, Azzy’s team of neurosurgeons performed a biopsy of the tumor confirming the diagnosis. DIPG is a rare, yet highly aggressive, malignant brain tumor that develops in the area of the brainstem called the pons, which controls the body’s vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, sleeping, and motor functions. Because of its location, removal by surgery is not a viable option. As there is currently no curative treatment for DIPG, the survival prognosis is 9 months to 2 years after diagnosis. Children diagnosed with DIPG typically undergo radiation therapy to shrink the tumor which often relieves tumor-related symptoms, improving quality of life.
Azzy’s DIPG diagnosis has turned our world upside down. Within the past few weeks, Azzy has lost almost all feeling on her right side and is unable to do simple tasks on her own. Complications from the biopsy have necessitated an extended stay in the ICU at Children’s Egleston Hospital in Atlanta. Azzy remains responsive and hasn’t lost her fierce, independent streak. Unsurprisingly, she has been very brave during this scary time. Our hope is that Azzy will soon be strong enough to go home and undergo outpatient radiation (daily, Monday-Friday for 6 weeks) so she can live her best life.
Insurance covers some, but not all, of the costs and expenses associated with Azzy’s care and treatment. While we do not yet know the exact costs her family will have to pay, there is no doubt they will be high. In an effort to lessen this inevitable financial burden, please consider donating. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will go directly to Azzy’s family.
On July 21, 2022, our sweet Azzy was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (“DIPG”). On July 25, 2022, Azzy’s team of neurosurgeons performed a biopsy of the tumor confirming the diagnosis. DIPG is a rare, yet highly aggressive, malignant brain tumor that develops in the area of the brainstem called the pons, which controls the body’s vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, sleeping, and motor functions. Because of its location, removal by surgery is not a viable option. As there is currently no curative treatment for DIPG, the survival prognosis is 9 months to 2 years after diagnosis. Children diagnosed with DIPG typically undergo radiation therapy to shrink the tumor which often relieves tumor-related symptoms, improving quality of life.
Azzy’s DIPG diagnosis has turned our world upside down. Within the past few weeks, Azzy has lost almost all feeling on her right side and is unable to do simple tasks on her own. Complications from the biopsy have necessitated an extended stay in the ICU at Children’s Egleston Hospital in Atlanta. Azzy remains responsive and hasn’t lost her fierce, independent streak. Unsurprisingly, she has been very brave during this scary time. Our hope is that Azzy will soon be strong enough to go home and undergo outpatient radiation (daily, Monday-Friday for 6 weeks) so she can live her best life.
Insurance covers some, but not all, of the costs and expenses associated with Azzy’s care and treatment. While we do not yet know the exact costs her family will have to pay, there is no doubt they will be high. In an effort to lessen this inevitable financial burden, please consider donating. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will go directly to Azzy’s family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Rette Rinkleib Thompson
Organizer
Scottsdale, AZ
Azucena Fisher
Beneficiary