Support Jaxon's Journey with a Rare Brain Tumor

As many of you know, Jaxon has been nothing less the warrior in his 5 years. His strength and resilience continues to amaze his parents, friends, and family everyday. As a close friend to both Michelle, Andrew, Jaxon, Kiana, Lily and the Swartz family, I want to start a fundraiser to help aid them in Jaxon's tremendous journey, and the unfortunate costs that come with treating his rare brain tumors. The Swartz family is faced with yet another challenge to care for Jaxon, though the potential options for care in Texas could very well be what helps Jaxon conquer his courageous fight!

Nonetheless, he continues to strive and bring joy to family and friends with his infectious and goofy personality! Please take the time in reading about his journey, and what Jaxon has endured.

Jaxon's Story:

When Jaxon was just an infant, he was diagnosed with two brain tumors- one on his hypothalamus and the other in his pineal gland. At only 9 months old, Jaxon’s medical team in MA told the Swartz family that he would need a brain biopsy because of the concern of possible germ cell tumors (cancer). Jaxon underwent his first brain biopsy and was diagnosed with a hypothalamic hamartoma. He unfortunately had complications, which included bacterial meningitis. His mother, Michelle, immediately started volunteering for a nonprofit organization ‘Hope For Hypothalamic Hamartoma’s’ to help others in this incredibly unique/rare journey.

Fast forward to April 2021, Jaxon’s team confirmed that a second brain biopsy (now in the pineal gland) would be needed. They were concerned that he again, could have a germ cell tumor. Despite the trauma, the Swartz family had full confidence in Jaxon’s team to move forward. Unfortunately, the neurosurgeon came out of the OR to inform them it could be fatal if they continued to biopsy that tumor, so they stopped.

Since then, the Swartz family has fought and put all efforts into getting the therapy, treatments, assistance and advocating for their non-verbal son Jaxon. Michelle continues to volunteer her time to Hope for HH and Andrew sits in on therapy sessions, goes to doctors/specialists appointments and is always eager to help Jaxon.

The Swartz family has been given another curveball in Jaxon’s Journey.. His medical team is now questioning whether Jaxon truly has a hypothalamic hamartoma as well as what exactly is the pineal tumor. Despite Jaxon having 16 sedated brain MRI’s, 2 spinal taps, 3 EEG’s, and even 2 brain biopsies… they still do not have a concrete diagnosis. 

They have finally connected with a neurosurgeon in Texas Children’s Hospital that is a specialist in hypothalamic hamartomas. He informed them that he is also indeed concerned that he not only could have HH, but a germ cell tumor. He has informed them that Jaxon would need to have a PET scan, a 72 hr EEG (seizure monitoring), different brain MRIs with anesthesia and other testing. Not only that, but he has informed them that they should meet with him, another neurosurgeon, a hematologist/oncologist, and the brain tumor clinic down in Texas. 

Just for the FIRST visit, the team told the Swartz family to prepare for a 2 week stay in Texas, which doesn’t include treatment. Not only do they have Jaxon but they have two daughters, a dog and cat to care for. They have never asked for donations directly to them, but they need you now. Let’s share their story, donate, and continue to support them on Jaxon’s Journey.