FT. MEADE, Md.– 10-month-old Alice Gerrian is fighting in a battle she didn’t sign up for. She was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric cancer in July and her family, who has ties to Rushville, Ind. is seeking support.
Doctors told Gerrian’s parents, Shea and Sgt. Clayton who is serving in the U.S. Army, their daughter has Neuroblastoma, which has caused a malignant tumor to develop at the base of her spine.
According to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Neuroblastoma accounts for 7 to 10 percent of childhood cancers and most children are diagnosed before the age of 5.
The tumor has invaded Gerrian’s nervous system and she no longer has control of her right leg, bowels, bladder and other important bodily functions.
On July 12, doctors at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md. where the family now resides, attempted to remove as much of the tumor as possible but unfortunately, much of it was unable to be extracted.
Gerrian will need to travel to Johns Hopkins for testing every 90 days for the next two years and continue those appointments somewhat less for the next five years.
Those cheering on Gerrian’s journey can be found on a Facebook page made by her family titled, “Alice’s Advocates”
The latest Facebook post, created Aug. 8, revealed good news about the child’s condition.
Doctors found the cancer had not spread to any other part of Gerrian’s body and while tests show the tumor is malignant, it is a less aggressive form.
For the next 60 days, Gerrian will be closely monitored and will not undergo any chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
And for now, Gerrian’s family will continue to update their social media pages and hope for the best.
