Our Carsyn Neille
The Sweetest Baby
Carsyn Neille, our daughter, was diagnosed with brain cancer on June 4, 2013 at just 4 1/2 months old.
A diagnostic MRI revealed she had one of the largest atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) the pediatric neurologist had ever seen in an infant. This tumor was blocking the necessary fluids in her brain from flowing properly. The MRI also revealed cells had metastasized down her spine. We were rushed into emergency surgery, and within five hours of her diagnosis she was gone.
There is no way to put into words how devastating it was to hear “Well, I don't have good news. The child did not survive.” To see and hear the anesthesiologist let out a loud cry and kneel down in front of us crying, "I'm so sorry I couldn't save your baby. I tried to save her." To see my husband lose every bit of color; to feel the ground give way beneath us; to feel weak, sick, anxious, shocked and broken all in an instant: there were no words.
Cancer had become our family's tragedy.
We now work to bring comfort and healing to families affected by childhood cancer. Learn about how our programs are impacting families, and find out how you can get involved.