In April 2019, we discovered Camilla was having seizures, typically 2-3 per day. We brought her to her Pediatrician and we were sent to the Minneapolis Childrens Hospital ER. They referred us to Noran Neurologolical Clinic, who performed an EEG test, prescribed medication, and ordered an MRI. We followed up with the MRI at The Mayo Clinic on Wednesday, May 8 and they immediately called us back to share that they found a tumor on the right side of her brain. They conducted a 48 hour EEG test that Thursday - Saturday to monitor the seizure activity and recorded 8 seizures, mostly during her sleep.

On Thursday, June 6, Camilla undertook brain surgery to have her tumor removed. It was a risky surgery, given that the tumor was in the part of her brain that controls her motor skills, however the Neurosurgeon was able to remove it successfully without any side effects. Camilla was walking and riding trike the next day! It was a complete miracle. We thought we were done with this medical journey.

Unfortunately, we learned some devastating news at the end of June. The Pathology Report confirmed that it was an Anaplastic Glioma – a grade 3 brain tumor. There is presently no cure for brain cancer, so all we can do is try to stop the cancer cells in their tracks and “reset the clock” with treatment. The prognosis is 3 years.

Camilla endured 33 Proton Beam Radiation treatments over the course of 7 weeks in Rochester, from July 10 to August 23, and received anesthesia each time. She rang the bell on Friday, August 23 and continues to remain just as active as ever.

Her next MRI scan will be October 4. Then we will continue to scan every 3 months. If the cancer cells form another mass, we may have to do chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery again. She is continuing to take medication twice a day to control her seizures.

The saying "though she is little, she is fierce" describes Camilla well. She is usually running around with a ball, riding her bike, or playing at a park. She is full of love, energy, and spunk. She likes to play with her sisters and enjoys the Disney princesses, Minnie Mouse, and the Minions. 

We don’t know what the future holds, but she will deal with brain cancer her entire life unless a cure comes out. We may never understand why things like this happen, but we know God is sovereign and has a plan. He is the source of peace, love, hope, comfort, and healing. We have experienced the power of prayer and the fact that she remains her normal self after brain surgery and radiation is truly a miracle.

Joshua 1:7 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Follow Camilla's story on CaringBridge via this link...Camilla's Story

Here are some incredible organizations supporting families facing pediatric cancer:

• The Ronald McDonald House
• HopeKids
• Make-A-Wish 
• Pinky Swear Foundation