Help for Ethan Mayers and His Family.

My name is Laura Zygmunt and I want to share with you about my nephew, Ethan. Ethan Mayers is a sweet, active 9-year-old boy with an "old soul" who began experiencing severe migraines less than a year ago. Because his father also had them occasionally, his mom and dad felt it was a condition that had been passed down and began avoiding foods they thought might be triggers. Over the last few months the headaches became more frequent and intense, and it was harder to pinpoint the cause. Vomiting before or during a migraine became a concerning symptom  about two months ago and Ethan was increasingly lethargic and exhausted during each episode. 
       Only three weeks ago, Ethan started getting dizzy and was alarmingly unable to balance as he walked. He was unable to focus and concentrate, unable to articulate as he normally could and would experience bouts of terrible nausea, even when he wasn't having a migraine. His face showed confusion and other odd habits started developing. 
       Last Friday morning he was seen by a pediatric neurologist in Richmond, VA, near where we live, after they decided to move his appointment up based on the severe symptoms the family was describing. An MRI was ordered and, to the family's devastation, it was discovered that Ethan has a rare type of slow growing brain tumor called Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma, or JPA. The tumor was large and doctors determined that, while most likely benign, the tumor had been growing there for a long time and was now causing a tremendous amount of pressure and fluid build-up on Ethan's brain. Surgery was swiftly scheduled, as well as an immediate  emergency procedure to begin draining the fluid on his brain. 
         Because the hospital is also having to establish strict visiting policies because of COVID-19, Ethan being admitted so suddenly caused some serious complications for his mom and dad. His family is close knit and he has four siblings, including a baby brother who is still being breast fed. His dad is self-employed and his mom runs the household and homeschools their children, as well as helping with the family business. Leaving Ethan without a parent and advocate with him at the hospital is out of the question, so his mom and dad have been switching off, one caring for the children at home while the other is with Ethan. Per current hospital regulation, only one parent can be with him at any one time; this policy was mercifully waived during and right after his surgery. It has been an extremely stressful time for them, to say the least, and their anxiety and exhaustion is reaching new heights each day. 
         During surgery on Wednesday, the surgeon quickly realized that the tumor was even larger than they expected and because of its location near main ventricles and his brain stem, he had to operate very cautiously. Only 2/3 of the tumor was able to be removed at that time, and now the plan is to keep him in the hospital and operate again next week. The news was a devastating blow to Ethan and to his family, but they are thankful that the surgeon is determined to put Ethan's ultimate safety as his priority. Their family and friends are rallying around them and God is so good and faithful, but as Ethan himself put it- "Its like a bad dream."
With the help of skilled physicians, a positive prognosis, and hundreds of people praying earnestly for him, we know that Ethan will come through this and soon be home with his family, playing in the sunshine. 
         The family cannot even comprehend what the hospital bills will be. They do not have health insurance, but are members of a Christian sharing organization that will cover only a small amount of the estimated total. In addition to this, as anyone who has their own business or works for themselves can attest, if you don't work- money doesn't come in. His parents are devoting 100% of their time to caring for their children, switching off twice a day, and obviously this difficult arrangement is going to cause financial hardship in the coming months.
         We are starting this fundraiser praying that people will find it in their heart to help financially where they are able. These difficult times increasingly call us to come together, to support families who are facing grave and agonizing circumstances, and showing care and compassion during the hardest days. Any gifts that are received through this fundraiser will go toward the balance of the hospital bills, any financial needs the family incurs while Ethan is at the hospital, and filling in the income "gaps" while his mom and dad are focusing their time and energy on caring for him and his siblings. We will be keeping this page updated as Ethan's situation changes and develops. Thank you for taking the time to read his story!

We are following GoFundMe guidelines to make sure these funds get to the family as soon as possible.