Kohens medical expenses.

On August 28th of this year, Michelle and Pete Delcaro from Campbell River, BC heard unusual noises from their son Kohen’s bedroom. When they walked in, they were instantly thrown into a health crisis that shook the world of Kohen, his brother Liam, his mom Michelle, his dad Pete and all of their extended family. Pete and Michelle discovered soon after that Kohen had his first-ever Grand Mal Seizure. The day before, Kohen was a happy, smart, active teenage boy.

An ambulance was called, and Kohen was taken to Campbell River hospital and given a CT scan that identified an abnormality in Kohen’s brain. 2 MRIs revealed that Kohen had a tumour in his left temporal lobe. The left temporal lobe is the nerve center for comprehension, language, learning, and remembering verbal information.

That day, Kohen was put on anti-seizure medication and on a priority list for urgent care at BC Children’s Hospital. The first consultation happened in just a few weeks.

Kohen and his parents met with an Epileptologist / Neurophysiologist and the department head, a Pediatric Neurosurgeon. They were advised that Kohen had actually had multiple focal seizures leading up to the Grand Mal on August 28th. Prior to the meeting, the family was told of possible options. Together, Michelle and Pete made an exceedingly difficult choice for any parent. They decided to support Kohen in whatever treatment option he thought best and would stand by his decision.

At this time, even with the risks associated with the procedure Kohen would like the tumour removed.

As with any delicate surgery, there are many safety risks, and many more tests will need to be completed if surgery can take place. There will be tests such as EEGs, functional MRI’s and a psychological exam. The doctors cannot promise Kohen surgery until they can gather enough data to ensure a high success rate for the operation and have a full understanding of how it will affect Kohen’s future. Both a partial and complete removal of the tumour is under consideration. In the end, there is a possibility the tumour will be inoperable. The key issue at the moment is whether or not the tumour continues to grow and at what rate.

Kohen will be monitored for several months while these issues are under investigation. It remains unknown how this waiting period will affect Kohen’s health.

The Delcaro’s wait in limbo while this information is gathered. They anxiously await the day they can move forward and help Kohen regain his health in the safest manner possible.

Both Michelle and Pete work full-time to support their family. Currently, Kohen continues to attend school with his brother Liam. With so many unknowns at the moment, it has been advised that Kohen is in the constant company of an adult as repeat Grand Mal Seizures are possible, and there are many concerns regarding further health complications.

Friends and family often feel very helpless in times like this. From my family to yours, I ask that you help support the excess expenses for the Delcaro’s during this difficult time. There will be days and weeks that Pete and Michelle need to be off work to support Kohen, and many trips to Vancouver Children’s Hospital and costs associated with living away from home in the days ahead.

Your support is greatly appreciated.