When Paige was 8 years old, she fell and hit her head snow skiing. She had a helmet on, but she took a pretty good knock. After complaining of a headache for a couple of days following the fall, we were advised by a neurosurgeon to have an MRI run just to be safe.

The MRI showed that there were no problems from the fall, however, it did show an unidentified cyst like abnormality in part of Paige’s brain. At that time, the course of action was to continue to watch the growth with semi-annual and then annual MRI’s. In February of 2011 when we went for Paige’s annual MRI we were saddened to discover that the growth had changed and grew. What was previously thought to be a cyst was now being defined as a brain tumor. This change prompted the necessity of having the tumor surgically removed.

Paige had the tumor removed in an 8 hour brain surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital on April 29, 2011. Upon analysis of the tissue we received the devastating news that Paige’s tumor was a medulloblastoma (cancerous tumor). This necessitated that Paige undergo 6 weeks of debilitating radiation therapy which she completed at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas on July 12, 2011. In August of 2011, Paige started a 48 week chemotherapy protocol through Sparrow Hospital under the care of the MSU Pediatric Oncology Clinic. Paige underwent 9 rounds of chemotherapy which placed her in/out of the hospital for her entire 6th grade school year. Medulloblastoma tumors are aggressive and thus the chemotherapy protocol is long and difficult. As of July, 2012, Paige completed her treatment. She is currently recovering and is able to attend school regularly. Her hair is starting to return and she is working on strength/conditioning with a goal of starting to return to some of the sports she played so avidly before her treatment began.

Paige received her Peach’s Neet Feet shoes just after completion of her final round of chemo. It was a great surprise for her as they were painted with the colors and mascot of her favorite college team….the Michigan State University (MSU) Spartans. The MSU football team has been a strong supporter of Paige throughout her treatment. Attending their football games (especially while she couldn’t play her own sports) was instrumental in getting her through her grueling treatments/hospital stays. Paige’s special MSU shoes will be attending all of the MSU football games with her this year. They serve as a positive reminder of all she has accomplished to preserve through her battle with brain cancer.

Paige’s treatment progress can be found on facebook at “Play for Paige- A support page for Paige Duren” or you can register for her carepage at http://www.carepages.com/carepages/PaigeInBoston.