Liam's Brain Tumor

My name is Susannah. This GoFundMe page is to raise funds for my 11-year-old nephew. His name is Liam. Liam is the second oldest of 6 children. He's a regular kid... funny, spunky, always laughing, infectious grin... He loves soccer, Legos, America, and Jesus. The week before Easter 2023, he told his mom that he was having trouble with some double vision---so much so, that he was even tripping over things and stumbling. His mom, Darcey, wasted no time in getting him in to an eye doctor, even though he'd had a clean vision test not too long before. The eye doctor said Liam's vision was normal, but he thought he saw maybe a cluster of blood vessels behind the eye. He referred them to a peditrician. MRI's, bloodwork, and other tests quickly followed. The pediatrician's office worked for hours to get their insurance to accept that Liam needed a referral to a neurosurgeon. They finally received the go-ahead, and immediately left to make the 4 hour drive to Pittsburgh Children's Hospital (PCH). Once there, more tests ensued confirming our worst fears... it's a brain tumor. Barely an inch long, it is seated on the pineal gland in the very center of Liam's brain. They were kept at PCH for several days while the neuroseurgeon team consulted about what the best course of action would be. Liam and his parents were released to go home to wait... He has since had a spinal tap, and brain surgery to biopsy the tumor is scheduled for May 26th, 2023. During this surgery, the surgeons will determine if the tumor is cancerous or not. If they are able, they will also remove it during this procedure. It is an extremely risky procedure on a very rare tumor. Even if the tumor is safely removed, there is a high likelihood that it will grow back. Even if it is benign, there is the possibility that young Liam will need chemo to attempt to completly kill it off. The insurance company has advised them that the surgery and chemo will run into the millions of dollars to treat. Liam's dad, Jason, is a Pennsylvania state trooper. Liam's mom, Darcey, is a stay at home mom who homeschools their 6 children. Through all of this, Liam has remained "cool as a cucumber", calmly accepting all of the information that's been thrown at them the past few weeks. For his strength in the face of crisis, we've nicknamed him Liam the Lionhearted. Please consider giving to this family to help in their medical costs, as well as other expenses associated with long hospital stays (gas, meals, housing, childcare, etc). Thank you!

Joshua 1:9 "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

Update: Liam's surgery on May 26th was a great success--- glory to God! The family was surrounded with prayers from believers worldwide, and prayer works! So thankful to be held by a miracle-working God. The plan was to biopsy the tumor, but the neurosurgeon was miraculously able to remove almost ALL of the tumor! There are a few remnants still attached to blood vessels, and the tentative plan is to do an abbreviated cycle of chemo/radiation to kill off any remaining tumor tissue. Liam is recovering... lots of nausea and vomiting due to anesthesia, which of course, is very painful on his head. He still has not been able to keep any food down. But PT was able to get him up to a chair, which is a step in the right direction! Because of the manipulation of brain tissue and ensuing swelling, Liam's eyes are in a bulging downward gaze, but the neuorsurgeon has assured that this will resolve as the swelling subsides. Please continue to pray for complete healing. And please share this gofundme link! We appreciate all of the thoughts, prayers, and donations!

UPDATE: June 5, 2023-- The pathology report came back. Liam's tumor is cancerous. It is a very rare germinoma tumor. Liam and his family will be returning to Pittsburgh Children's Hospital June 13th for a post-op follow-up and to have a mediport inserted into Liam's chest for chemo treatments. Liam will be receiving chemotherapy 3 times a week (every other day) with three weeks off between treatment weeks for 4 months, followed by radiation (we don't know how long radiation treatment will last). Please continue to pray for this sweet boy and his family, and please SHARE this gofundme link far and wide! Thank you all for your love and support so far as we traverse this valley. Even in the valley, GOD IS GOOD!

UPDATE: August 19, 2023-- Liam the Lionhearted has completed 3 rounds (3 days long each round) of chemo. The third round had to be delayed because Liam's platelets were too low. He was scheduled to have his 4th (and Lord willing--FINAL!) round of chemo this week. However, once again, his platelets are dangerously low. Liam and his parents made the 8 hour round trip to Pittsburgh so that Liam could have 2 units of blood transfused, as well as a unit of platelets. Please pray that this transfusion will get his blood counts to where they need to be so that he can complete his chemo treatments. Liam had an MRI a few weeks ago, and it showed no new growths of cancer, which is a huge praise! Thank You, God! After the last round of chemo, Liam will start radiation. At this time, we are anticipating three weeks of radiation, 5 days each week. This will require LOTS of time on the road for Darcey, Jason, and Liam. Please pray for strength and safety traveling. Additionally, Jason was put on a new schedule at his job which would not allow him to travel with Liam back and forth to Pittsburgh Childrens Hospital. Jason is having to take over a month of UNPAID leave from work so that he is available for Liam's treatments. This would be a big financial strain on any family, but it is particularly so at this time. But we know the Lord can, and will, provide. Please continue with your prayers!

UPDATE: November 06, 2023-- Liam the Lionhearted has completed his full course of chemotherapy and radiation! Praise to the Lord! His treatment caused him to be exhausted all of the time, and to have a significant amount of nausea and vomiting. He's lost about 25-30 pounds, which is no small thing for a growing 12 year old young man. However, Darcey (His mom) said that he was visibly more relaxed when that last treatment finally was over! Liam's hair is just starting to grow back, for which he is very thankful. :-) He will have another lumbar puncture (LP) at the end of November. He experienced some serious complications after his last LP in September, so please pray that this one goes smoothly, and that it comes back CLEAN (no signs of cancer)!! He will continue to have follow up MRI's every three months for the foreseeable future.

Our family CANNOT thank each and every one of you enough for your prayers, gifts, cards, words of encouragement, and donations (many through this site, but also to all those who did fundraisers through bake sales, selling homemade cards and other handmade items, selling support bracelets, etc). The outpouring of love and the show of solidarity throughout this trial has been an overwhelming blessing. Please continue to pray that the treatments will not have any long-term effects, and that Liam will quickly regain his strength and vitality.

"With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God!"

(pictured below with his dad on Liam's last day of treatment)