Kenyon Strong

Kenyon, 9, was diagnosed in January 2020 with Plexiform Schwannoma that manifested as spinal nerve sheath tumors. Over three years ago Kenyon's mom, my cousin Lynda Jo, noticed that he had stopped gaining weight and she took him to a multitude of physicians that just passed it off as failure to thrive and told her to put him on supplements and protein shakes. She continued to try and get other physicians to actually take a closer look when he still was not gaining weight, however it was not until this past January that she was able to find a physician that took her new concerns about an abnormality she noticed with how his leg was curving seriously. They finally ordered an MRI that revealed multiple tumors, small and large, that were so far developed that it had caused abnormalities in his pelvis. The tumors climb up his spinal sheath.  Kenyon has since had 8 MRI's and a Pelvic Biopsy. 

At this very moment Kenyon is half way into his 12th hour of surgery with 6 surgical specialist to remove the tumors from his spine and pelvis.  Kenyon had to be cut from mid pelvis (under belly button) to mid sacrum ( over tailbone) in order for the surgeons to reach the tumors. The surgeon then cut his pelvis into two pieces so to avoid having to go directly into the spinal canal to get to these complex tumors.  Kenyon's pelvis will need to be screwed back together and he may possibly need a spinal/pelvic fusion to stabilize everything. We are asking for continued prayers for surgery to be successful so that Kenyon can get back to being his jovial, sweet self.  There is no cure for this disease and the tumors can manifest again.  He will need follow up MRI's to monitor him regularly.

For recovery, Kenyon is looking at a few weeks in the hospital and multiple months of physical therapy. Lynda Jo, Kenyon's mom, is a hard working registered nurse  and single mom to an 18 year old daughter Malaina and three sons Kenyon 9, Aaron 6, and Liam 8 months all living at home full time. Lynda's 8 month old Liam has had severe eczema which has lead to a couple of hospitalizations since his birth. There is certainly a lot on her plate, she is strong woman, and has a great support system with child care with her parents and friends who live close by, but this is certainly extreme and special circumstances. Lynda Jo has been working extra to save some money for this time by selling Pampered Chef, but with three little boys she is needing all the help she can get to keep food, utilities, car and mortgage payments up to date.

Now that Kenyon has this hard long fight in front of him Lynda Jo has had to take a leave off work to be with Kenyon everyday during his recovery,  which is estimated by the surgeon to be around two months, with probably multiple months of therapy after.  This fundraiser will aid Lynda Jo in continuing to provide for her beautiful family while being able to dedicate the time needed to see Kenyon through his recovery.