Abby's Army

Abby Conner, daughter of Bad Boy Mowers employee, Jason Conner, has been diagnosed with Gliomatosis Cerebri, a rare pediatric brain tumor.  Abby is an active three year old and has not physically felt the effects of the tumor, yet. 

Below is a blog written by Abby’s mother, Morgan.  You can follow Abby’s diagnosis and treatment at http://abbyreeseconner.blogspot.com/

“It all started with very small seizures. We are not sure how long she had been having them but they were getting more frequent. On April 23rd we took her to Dr. Baker who sent us to the ER at Arkansas Children's Hospital. An MRI revealed a large brain lesion and Abby was taken to the ICU where she spent 3 days. She was later moved to the IMU (step down) where she stayed for 4 days. We saw several doctors who were all pretty stumped by what they saw. It didn't look like anything-tumor, infection, or swelling. They put her on an anti-viral medication in case it was infection.  Another MRI showed no changes. Some doctors thought it was gliomatosis cerebri but some didn't agree with that diagnosis so they decided to take some spinal fluid to analyze. They had to take it from the brain though because of possible swelling.

After she was discharged we contacted MD Anderson in Houston and St. Jude's. We flew to Houston where another MRI was performed. They informed us that it was gliomatosis cerebri. St. Jude's called later that day and informed us that they felt it was gliomatosis cerebri. That was not what we wanted to hear.

Gliomatosis cerebri is very rare in children. It is a very aggressive infiltrating type of tumor. It doesn't behave like other tumors. It "walks" all over the brain and irritates surrounding cells causing them to malfunction. If not treated, it will irritate the entire brain. Because it doesn't behave like typical tumors it is very difficult to treat. Chemo and radiation are not as effective for this type of tumor. The survival rate is low. But there are survivors!”

A benefit is being held for Abby on Friday, May 22^nd at Southside Middle School in Batesville, AR.  The talent show and pie auction will be held from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.  Abby will be having surgery on that day at 11:30 am.  The surgery should last 3-4 hours.  Please keep their family in your thoughts and prayers.  Any comments or postings will be shared with the family.