Yvonne Williams
Sponsor: N-Magazine

Tennessee
Reagan (Age 4)
Brain Tumor

Reagan of Nolensville, Tenn., had a perfect history of wellness the first nine months of her life—but it all changed overnight. One morning her parents noticed a dramatic difference in the way Reagan looked at things. They immediately made a visit to her pediatrician. The doctor knew this was highly unusual so she was referred to the Tennessee Lion’s Eye Center at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

By that time, Reagan’s vision was worse. An MRI showed the cause: craniopharyngioma, a rare benign brain tumor. Although this type of tumor is typically slow growing, it progressed so rapidly that doctors were shocked. Fifteen days after Reagan’s first appointment she had surgery. Doctors thought Reagan would never see again, but she shocked everyone once more, she recuperated so quickly she was discharged just 12 days after surgery with a prognosis of full recovery.

Today at 4 years old, Reagan is a remarkably gifted child. The red-headed fireball communicates with others at a complex level and has developed early skills in writing and math. She also loves reading and storytelling and has an amazing memory. Reagan is beginning to understand the important gift she has been given and treasures life.