Kamilla was born in July 2020.
At only 6 weeks old, she started physical therapy to treat what we thought was torticollis because she only turned her head to one side. Almost a year later she continued with a head tilt. We tried the chiropractor, homeopathy and physical therapy multiple times and nothing improved the situation. After consulting with various doctors, her orthopedic doctor suggested we perform an MRI of her spine. In July 2022 the MRI confirmed the worst, she had a tumor in her brain stem. In September she had a craniotomy that confirmed she has a low grade pilocytic astrocytoma. Due to its sensitive location, it can’t be surgically removed. She had complications after this surgery, and we were in and out of the hospital multiple times until the end of November. During this time, she had: two spinal taps, surgery for a temporary drain, surgery to install the shunt and two hernia repairs, because of the shunt. In total Kamilla had 7 surgeries/procedures in 2 months.
After all these procedures, Kamilla was able to start chemotherapy in December 2022 at only 2.5 years old. And it’s been a long journey. It’s been a roller coaster ride to say the least. Multiple side effects of chemotherapy, chemo sessions that couldn’t be completed because her body was so weak and blood counts being low, countless times running to the Emergency Room because of fever. Then again in June 2023 she was admitted to the hospital with strong headaches, vomiting, no eating or drinking. After one week we came home, but at the end of July 2023 Kamilla had emergency surgery to substitute her shunt because of a blockage. She restarted chemotherapy a few weeks later. We can’t wait to start her final cycle of chemotherapy in February. Thankfully, the tumor has shrunk 50% since she began chemo. 

Even though the last 2 years have been so hard and traumatic, Kamilla always has a smile on her face. Everyone at Valerie Center can attest to that! She loves being surrounded by family and friends that love her so much. She loves playing outside, dancing, reading books, playing cards and so much more. We can’t wait for this chapter in her life to be over and she can finally enjoy her childhood! 

Kamilla will ring the bell on February 22nd! 

We are so grateful to have The Valerie Fund Center! Their kindness and support has been a godsend. Please consider donating to help Kamilla reach her goal.