The Nihei's: Our Story

On April 1, 2008, our 4-year-old daughter, Lauren, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After her biopsy on April 8th it was determined that she had a bithalamic anaplastic astrocytoma with extension into her brain stem.

In the beginning of March we noticed a personality change in Lauren who normally is a very outgoing and happy-go-lucky kid. She became very clingy and shy. She didn't want to talk on the phone anymore, or play on the slide with the other kids at pre-school. By mid-March, Lauren started complaining about headaches. Her pediatrician thought it might be a sinus infection or that she may need glasses. He put her on antibiotics and we made an eye appointment.

A few days later when she started holding her head funny and her headaches returned we insisted on a CT scan. That's when her pediatrician sent us to the ER at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) for a CT scan, and when our world was turned upside down and our nightmare began...

Story continues at bottom of page

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Team Hope

Team Hope is getting ready for the Brain Tumor Walk and Angel Adventure
in Orange County on Saturday (Oct. 18th). Even though Lauren and
Hilary will probably not be there (they'll be stuck at the Ronald McDonald
House), me, granny and Marissa will be out there. There is small chance
(very small chance) Lauren will be there. The doctor told us it's okay
depending on how she feels and as long as we have an exit strategy, we
need to be able to get to CHLA within an hour if Lauren develops a
fever. We are still contemplating weather it's worth the risk.
Our team t-shirt, designed by Sarah, will read "Team Hope" on the front,
and "I CANCERvive this...it's all in our heads."

If anyone is interested sponsoring Sarah and Lauren please go to: www.firstgiving.com/lalasaysay Please come out and join Team Hope if you can, too. Thanks for everyone's support!

Posted by admin at 3:56 PM

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