Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program Patient Stories

After an inoperable brain tumor diagnosis, Silas found hope at CHOP, where innovative insight and precise, collaborative care changed the course of his young life.

Removing Joe’s brain tumor at age 5 meant he also lost his pituitary gland. Experts at CHOP’s Neuroendocrine Center have kept him on track toward adulthood ever since.

When Aaron was 4, he was suddenly diagnosed with a brain tumor and had to undergo seven months of arduous treatment. His family will never forget the teams in neurosurgery, oncology, nursing and child life — and the Phillies and their South Jersey community — all of whom lifted Aaron up throughout his journey at CHOP.

While Julia’s diagnosis of a brain tumor was a shock to her family, the location and type of tumor meant surgery at CHOP was the only treatment she needed.

Devon underwent surgery, chemotherapy and proton therapy for a brain tumor the size of a softball. Within months, she started college and made the Dean’s List.  

Conor, 16, and his parents have been traveling to CHOP from South Carolina several times a year since he was an infant for NF1 treatment and clinical trials.

Carlee, 4, receives treatment for the optic pathway tumor that caused vision loss. But she’s also gotten extensive psycho-social support.

"CHOP is so great because they support the whole family," says Gabby's dad, Paul.

When her benign brain tumor came back, Elena and her family traveled from Ohio to CHOP for 39 rounds of proton therapy.

Justin, 8, is a happy kid who loves video games and his scooter. He has survived cancer twice.