My name is Miranda. My husband and I are parents to two wonderful children, Morgan and Blake. We live in Polk County, Florida. On January 1, 2008, Blake was diagnosed with what the doctors believed was an AT/RT (Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor) brain tumor. He receives treatment in Orlando, FL. This is a rare and very aggressive cancerous tumor and requires very aggressive treatment with very powerful chemo drugs. This tumor was located in the back of Blake's brain. In the month of January, Blake underwent five surgeries, four of which were on his brain. Because of where the brain was located in his brain, Blake now needs to have a shunt to help drain the fluid in his head. Blake has also been to Shands Children's Hospital in Gainesville, FL where he had to go through a stem harvest for the doctors to collect his stem cells because he also requires three stem cell transplants. Blake will also have to have five to six weeks of radiation.

Currently, Blake is doing very well. He has just completed his third round of chemotherapy and has been able to return home. While, Blake and I were at the hospital, the doctor called me and told me that after doing some further tests on Blake's tumor, they found out the type of tumor that Blake actually has/had is called "Anaplastic Large Cell Melludoblastoma" or possibly a Melludoblastmyoma. This type of tumor is more aggressive than an AT/RT tumor because it requires stronger full cranial and spinal cord radiation. With having this kind of radiation, Blake is facing the possibility of having learning disabilities, development problems, short-term memory problem, and growth problems in addition to the short-term side effects. The reoccurrence rate for this tumor is at 60%, which is worse than with the AT/RT tumor. In three weeks, Blake has to return to Gainesville to begin his transplants. Blake and I will be up in Gainesville for three months. Once up in Gainesville, we will find out where the radiation treatment will be done. The doctors have made us aware of the possibility that the radiation could be done in Gainesville also. Which if it is, Blake and I will have to stay in Gainesville for an addition two months. This makes it a little difficult for my family and I, because my husband and I only have one vehicle. There are several things that we need; however, there are three things that we need now.

One thing is we need another vehicle so that I would be able to get Blake to the hospitals and to the doctor's appointments, so that my husband would not have to take time off from work.

The second thing is another computer

and the last thing is, we just need some money. Any kind of help that we can get would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Miranda