Aubrey's Fight Against Ependymoma

During a middle school volleyball practice last September, Aubrey fractured her right femur. After Aubrey's condition continued to deteriorate, a CT scan revealed several tumors on her spine. A subsequent biopsy confirmed that Aubrey had ependymoma, a rare form of cancer that affects the central nervous system, the spinal cord in Aubrey's case.

After complicated surgery to remove the tumors, Aubrey was admitted to Blythedale Children's Hospital for comprehensive cancer rehabilitation. Blythedale is the only specialty children’s hospital in New York State with the capability of providing the highest level of medical care and rehabilitation for children recovering from complex medical conditions, including childhood cancers. Aubrey needed a customized therapeutic regimen to enable her to regain her strength and function while undergoing radiation therapy.

Although frightened of the unknown, Aubrey and her family chose to stay positive.