Valerie W. - Quilt Finished in 2006

Born: March 27, 2004

Illness: Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma of the optic chiasm/hypothalamic area

Valerie W.'s Story

written by mom Celeste

Valerie Grace was born on March 27th 2004, our fourth daughter.  She was completely health prior to January 31st 2005 - never a runny nose or fever.  We noticed her eye jiggling back and forth (nystagmus) and were sent for an MRI.  She had a large 4-5cm brain tumor in her optic chiasm area.  The tumor was partially removed on 2/7/05.  By October 2005 the tumor had regrown to it's original size along with several large cysts surrounding it.  She has been on IV chemotherapy since November 2005 and had surgery to fenestrate the cysts in January 2006 and surgery in February 2006 to put in a VP shunt due to hydrocephalus.

Other than our times in the hospital, Valerie Grace lives a happy life - she loves to laugh, feed our pet chickens, and play with her three sisters.  She loves animals and she gives the best hugs. God has shown us so much this year - how to live each moment to the fullest - how to rejoice despite our circumstances.

Written by Valerie's mom Celeste in February 2006